439 - A First-Class Pattern 1869 Mark III Snider-enfield carbine

A First-Class Pattern 1869 Mark III Snider-enfield carbine dating: about 1870 provenance: United Kingdom, 19.25” barrel fitted with a front sight and a folding, adjustable rear sight graduated up to “6” and bearing proof marks. The left side of the barrel bears various acceptance and inspection stamps, the marking “STEEL”, and War Department marks. Calibre probably .577 British (approximately 14.7 mm at the muzzle). Clean bore with visible rifling and some areas of pitting, particularly near the muzzle. Snider breech-loading bolt with hinged breechblock, marked “III” on the frame, together with acceptance and inspection marks and various codes. Mechanism in good working order. Lock marked “ENFIELD” and dated “1870” beneath a crowned arrow, the tail of the lock plate bearing the royal cypher “V.R.” surmounted by a crown. Half wooden stock showing some signs of use and age, the butt clearly bearing the War Department quality mark above the number “1”. Brass trigger guard and butt plate. The latter stamped “II.CC / I7” (not clearly identifiable, probably regimental markings) and bearing inspection marks. The butt plate also features a trapdoor, inside which the two-piece ramrod is still preserved. Also with its original safety cap, designed to be fitted over the rear of the striker to prevent accidental discharge, still complete with its chain. Some signs of use and age, with traces of probably old browning on the barrel. The large “1” stamped beneath the mark on the buttstock indicates that the firearm was classified as “First Class” at the time of manufacture.