AR718 - .577 Snider Mklll. 2-band Army Short Rifle.
A military issue 2-band Snider Short Rifle “Improved Action” with 5-groove rifling. The Mark lll Snider conversion was “Approved” in January 1869. This example is possibly a conversion from probably Pattern 1861 Army Short Rifle but more likely newly manufactured to this pattern. It has an Enfield marked lockplate dated 1871 and Crown over VR; with steel furniture. Correct flat hammer face and correct STEEL barrel (only the first few were iron barrels). Enfield roundel to butt and marked as a 1st class arm, for Line Regiments.
 
The Mklll was Approved in January 1869 an officially termed as the “Improved Action 1869 (utilising Gordon’s 1869 patent for locking the breechblock). Five-groove barrel and lll to receiver, BSACo to block with British military inspection marks. Correct bayonet bar to barrel, without the forward extension tenon. Clearing rod and Baddley lower band. Although quite clearly British Military issue, at some time in the distant past, a previous owner (NOT a British soldier!), has carved their initials to it: ED or FD between the Lovel cups and side nails; this was a popular Boer activity with many British military arms captured; if so, may indicate use in the first Anglo-Boer War.
 
The stock is clear with colour to the barrel, Generally bright and clean bore.