AR780 .577 - Snider Mk.lll Short Rifle. New Zealand contract.
A 5-groove heavy barrel Mklll Snider Short Rifle. Mark lll military issue Snider rifles are not too common and this is a rare contract, made as a Snider. It has correct iron furniture, is made by BSA&MCo and 1875 dated. British military W.D. and inspection marks and sold-out-of-service stamp. NZ to top of buttplate and  rack number  1191;  Birmingham inspection roundel to butt. This is one of only 2000 in the small military contract, being New Zealand issue with rack number. This 1871 contract was to arm the N.Z. Armed Constabulary (which was in existence only 1869-1886). The Armed Constabulary were in effect the New Zealand army, following the withdrawal of British regular Army units and the disbanding of the Volunteer Militia at the end of the Maori Wars.
 
Colour has thinned, but there is no corrosion or pitting, woodwork is clean. The bore is bright, crisp and shiny.