Product Overview
Jacob Snider, an American from New York, developed this breech loading system for the Pattern 1853 Enfield, the most prolific imported percussion rifle in use by both the North and South during the US Civil War. In 1864 the British Board of Ordnance adopted the Snider system, with the first being issued in 1865. Improved in 1867 by the use of Colonel Boxer's center fire brass bodied cartridge, the rifle was used very effectively in the Abyssinian Campaign of 1868. The system utilized a hinged breech block with an internal firing pin assembly that permitted the use of a self contained cartridge of lead bullet in cardboard, and after 1867, brass casing. This highly efficient conversion system prolonged the active life of the P-1853 .577 rifles up until 1871 when the Martini System was adopted. This version was also known as the Two Band Snider. All show extensive use but each appears, by and large, to be complete. They may, or may not function, once the thick layer of congealed dirt, grime, grease and rust are removed, and may suffer from cracks and breaks which is to be expected after more than a century of neglect. Again only offered in AS IS condition; complete with caked on debris from battle and storage. There are NO Guarantees other than that each gun is completely genuine and very old. These relics should be likened to an archaeological dig, so no unreasonable demands or gripes please. Now offered at a bargain price for the enthusiast to enjoy as is or to spend the time and TLC to carefully restore; each weapon is REAL, ANTIQUE and is offered AS FOUND. Picture is a typical example; each weapon will vary of course. Each gun will feature: The action, lever, trigger, stock (which may show signs of wear like cracks, old repairs, wood rot, etc), barrel, 3 steel barrel bands, cleaning rod and butt plate. Some guns may have additional pieces (sorry no choice) like minor parts & screws. Condition: usually show rust & pitting and be covered in dirt as originally stored. Otherwise they may not operate because of seizing or could be otherwise incomplete. Plus there may be additional cracks, missing chunks, old repairs. Note: These guns were manufactured before 1898 and are therefore legally considered antiques. It is totally legal to own these without a U.S. Federal Firearms License (FFL) and they can be shipped to most countries around the world.
