Guns International #: 102674216
Seller's Inventory #: 240146
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Guns International #: 102674216
Category - Enfield Rifles
- Antique Rifles - Cartridge
1875 PORTUGUESE CONTRACT Antique BSA & M Snider-Enfield Mk III .577 CARBINE 1 of 1,200 Carbines Delivered to Portugal in 1875
Description: 1875 PORTUGUESE CONTRACT Antique BSA & M Snider-Enfield Mk III .577 CARBINE 1 of 1,200 Carbines Delivered to Portugal in 1875 Here we present an antique Unit Marked Portuguese Contract Birmingham Small Arms & Metal Company Snider-Enfield Mk. III Carbine made in 1875 in Birmingham, England. In the early 1870s, the British sold the Portuguese 10,000 British government Snider infantry rifles and bayonets, along with 3000 carbines, which were delivered in 1873 and began to replace Portugal's older arms. The following year, Portugal placed an order with Birmingham Small Arms & Metal Company Ltd., for an additional 10,000 infantry rifles and 1200 cavalry carbines, which were delivered in 1875. All of these latter arms were the MK III latching breech block design and are specially marked on the tail of the lock with the Portuguese Heraldic Royal Crown above initials G.P. The lock plate forward of the hammer is marked BSA & M Co above 1875, the year of manufacture. BSA Co. markings also appear on the breech block, and Snider's Patent and Snider Arrow thru S symbol on top of the receiver, along with a Crown over FA, understood to be the Portuguese inspector's acceptance marking. These rifle and carbines are of conventional British Snider design and adoption. The rifles are British pattern as are the carbines. The left side of the barrel is profusely proof marked while the right side is serial-numbered. Carbine serial numbers have a "C" prefix, as does this example. Most of these arms, like this one, will be found with unit markings on the brass butt plate tang. Additionally, the carbines will have a butt plate door and recess for storage of it's FA-marked, two-piece cleaning rod. The British .577 Snider was the most widely used of the Snider varieties (the action invented by the American Jacob Snider) being adopted by Britain as an alteration/conversion system for its Pattern 53 rifle-musket muzzle loading arms. In trials, the Snider P/53 conversions proved both more accurate than original P/53s and much faster firing as well. From 1866 on the rifles were converted in large numbers at Enfield beginning with the initial pattern, the Mark I. New rifles started as P/53s but received a new breech block/receiver assembly. Converted rifles retained the original iron barrel, furniture, locks and hammer. The overall condition is very good. Patina throughout. The action is excellent. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. The stock shows use and has a very nice striped grain. Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction. Barrel 19-1/4 inches. Caliber: .577 Snider Overall condition as seen in photos. Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail! Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY. ancestryguns $1800 #240146 Price: $1,800.00 Buy Now Antique: Yes Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 102674216
Seller's Inventory #: 240146
Guns International #: 102674216
Seller's Inventory #: 240146