AR717 - .577 Snider Mklll 3-band Long Rifle. Portuguese issue.
A rare Portuguese issue Snider long rifle with 3-groove rifling, made by BSA&M Co. Marked with the Portuguese acceptance mark of Crown over G.P. and the Lisbon arsenal crown F.A (Fabrica de Armas) along with British Proof marks, and Sniders Patent to breech.
 
Portugal, a long standing British ally, had originally sought Snider rifles in 1868, to replace their Monkey Tail rifles and carbines. However, the first deliveries were not until 1873, of British War Department rifles and carbines. In late 1874 BSA&M were given a contract to supply 10,000 long rifles and 1200 carbines. It has the correct but unusual clearing rod, being parallel rather than flared head of a British pattern. With serial number 840, it is very early in the contract.
 
This is one of the small Portuguese military contract, otherwise in accord with standard Snider description and standard, 3-groove rifling in a bright bore. It retains plenty of colour to the barrel, clean stock and bright cleaned action and block, with “SNIDER PATENT” and S logo.