Victorian-Era Enfield Snider Conversion | Queen's Cipher Marked Service Rifle | 1864

$1,200.00
$1,200.00
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Antique British Snider-Enfield Pattern 1853 Mark II service rifle, dated 1864, breech-loading conversion, steel and brass fittings, walnut stock with Victorian-era military patina, non-firing collectible
360° video of a Victorian-Era Enfield Snider Conversion rifle, showing full length, stock, lock mechanism, and barrel details on a white backdrop.
Antique British Snider-Enfield Pattern 1853 Mark II service rifle, dated 1864, breech-loading conversion, steel and brass fittings, walnut stock with Victorian-era military patina, non-firing collectible
Full-length view of the 1864 Snider-Enfield Mk II conversion rifle showing steel barrel, walnut stock, and brass fittings on a white background.
Close-up of the walnut stock and 1864 Enfield lockplate with Victoria cypher on the Snider-Enfield Mk II rifle.
Side detail of the Snider-Enfield Mk II breech-loading mechanism with original steel components and walnut forestock.
Detailed view of the Snider-Enfield brass trigger guard and steel lockplate set in a worn 19th-century walnut stock.
Left-side profile of the 1864 Snider-Enfield Mk II rifle displaying the shortened walnut stock and military steel hardware.
Close-up of the Snider-Enfield Mk II breechblock conversion system and forestock screws with patinated steel surfaces.
Macro detail of the Snider-Enfield Mk II barrel and hinged breechblock showing proof marks and aged military finish.
Close-up of the Snider-Enfield percussion-style hammer, trigger assembly, and engraved lockplate dated 1864.
Detail of the brass butt plate and rear walnut stock of the 19th-century Snider-Enfield Mk II conversion rifle.
Close-up view of the Snider-Enfield Mk II rifle breech mechanism, showing aged steel components and patinated metal against the original wooden stock.
Close-up of engraved brass unit mark inset into the wooden stock of a Victorian-era Snider-Enfield rifle.
Close-up view inside the breech of a Victorian-era Snider-Enfield rifle, showing the chamber and firing mechanism.
Close-up of engraved proof marks on the metal receiver of a Victorian-era Enfield Snider Conversion rifle.
  • Antique British Snider-Enfield Pattern 1853 Mark II service rifle, dated 1864, breech-loading conversion, steel and brass fittings, walnut stock with Victorian-era military patina, non-firing collectible
  • 360° video of a Victorian-Era Enfield Snider Conversion rifle, showing full length, stock, lock mechanism, and barrel details on a white backdrop.
  • Antique British Snider-Enfield Pattern 1853 Mark II service rifle, dated 1864, breech-loading conversion, steel and brass fittings, walnut stock with Victorian-era military patina, non-firing collectible
  • Full-length view of the 1864 Snider-Enfield Mk II conversion rifle showing steel barrel, walnut stock, and brass fittings on a white background.
  • Close-up of the walnut stock and 1864 Enfield lockplate with Victoria cypher on the Snider-Enfield Mk II rifle.
  • Side detail of the Snider-Enfield Mk II breech-loading mechanism with original steel components and walnut forestock.
  • Detailed view of the Snider-Enfield brass trigger guard and steel lockplate set in a worn 19th-century walnut stock.
  • Left-side profile of the 1864 Snider-Enfield Mk II rifle displaying the shortened walnut stock and military steel hardware.
  • Close-up of the Snider-Enfield Mk II breechblock conversion system and forestock screws with patinated steel surfaces.
  • Macro detail of the Snider-Enfield Mk II barrel and hinged breechblock showing proof marks and aged military finish.
  • Close-up of the Snider-Enfield percussion-style hammer, trigger assembly, and engraved lockplate dated 1864.
  • Detail of the brass butt plate and rear walnut stock of the 19th-century Snider-Enfield Mk II conversion rifle.
  • Close-up view of the Snider-Enfield Mk II rifle breech mechanism, showing aged steel components and patinated metal against the original wooden stock.
  • Close-up of engraved brass unit mark inset into the wooden stock of a Victorian-era Snider-Enfield rifle.
  • Close-up view inside the breech of a Victorian-era Snider-Enfield rifle, showing the chamber and firing mechanism.
  • Close-up of engraved proof marks on the metal receiver of a Victorian-era Enfield Snider Conversion rifle.
Antique British Snider-Enfield Pattern 1853 Mark II service rifle, dated 1864, breech-loading conversion, steel and brass fittings, walnut stock with Victorian-era military patina, non-firing collectible
360° video of a Victorian-Era Enfield Snider Conversion rifle, showing full length, stock, lock mechanism, and barrel details on a white backdrop.
Antique British Snider-Enfield Pattern 1853 Mark II service rifle, dated 1864, breech-loading conversion, steel and brass fittings, walnut stock with Victorian-era military patina, non-firing collectible
Full-length view of the 1864 Snider-Enfield Mk II conversion rifle showing steel barrel, walnut stock, and brass fittings on a white background.
Close-up of the walnut stock and 1864 Enfield lockplate with Victoria cypher on the Snider-Enfield Mk II rifle.
Side detail of the Snider-Enfield Mk II breech-loading mechanism with original steel components and walnut forestock.
Detailed view of the Snider-Enfield brass trigger guard and steel lockplate set in a worn 19th-century walnut stock.
Left-side profile of the 1864 Snider-Enfield Mk II rifle displaying the shortened walnut stock and military steel hardware.
Close-up of the Snider-Enfield Mk II breechblock conversion system and forestock screws with patinated steel surfaces.
Macro detail of the Snider-Enfield Mk II barrel and hinged breechblock showing proof marks and aged military finish.
Close-up of the Snider-Enfield percussion-style hammer, trigger assembly, and engraved lockplate dated 1864.
Detail of the brass butt plate and rear walnut stock of the 19th-century Snider-Enfield Mk II conversion rifle.
Close-up view of the Snider-Enfield Mk II rifle breech mechanism, showing aged steel components and patinated metal against the original wooden stock.
Close-up of engraved brass unit mark inset into the wooden stock of a Victorian-era Snider-Enfield rifle.
Close-up view inside the breech of a Victorian-era Snider-Enfield rifle, showing the chamber and firing mechanism.
Close-up of engraved proof marks on the metal receiver of a Victorian-era Enfield Snider Conversion rifle.

Victorian-Era Enfield Snider Conversion | Queen's Cipher Marked Service Rifle | 1864

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: United Kingdom
Material: Steel, brass, and walnut wood
Period: Mid-19th Century (Dated 1864)

Description
A fine British military firearm of the Victorian era, this Snider-Enfield Pattern 1853 Mark II Service Rifle illustrates the critical transition from muzzle-loading to breech-loading systems. Originally a percussion cap musket, it was converted in the early 1860s under Jacob Snider’s patented mechanism, later officially adopted by the British Army in 1866.

The lockplate is crisply stamped “ENFIELD 1864” beneath Queen Victoria’s crown and cypher (“VR”), with additional military inspection and proof marks throughout the steel fittings. The rifle features the hinged breechblock system characteristic of the Mk II conversions, along with its original brass trigger guard and butt plate. The walnut stock bears the warm, worn patina of active service, showing clear signs of field use.

Features

- Stamped with Queen Victoria’s royal cypher (“VR” beneath crown) and dated 1864

- “ENFIELD” arsenal marking, confirming Royal Small Arms Factory production

- Converted to breech-loading using the Snider Mk II mechanism

- Brass hardware: trigger guard and butt plate

- Walnut stock with period wear and patina

- Military proof and inspection stamps visible throughout

Cultural Significance
The Snider-Enfield was the first breech-loading rifle to be widely adopted by British and colonial forces. Its conversion design extended the life of the Pattern 1853 Enfield muskets while introducing cartridge-based firepower, representing a pivotal moment in the modernization of global military technology. Rifles of this type saw extensive service across the Empire in campaigns of the mid-to-late 19th century.

Condition
Good overall antique condition. The steelwork shows patina and surface wear consistent with age. The walnut stock has been shortened, likely for cavalry or colonial field use, with handling marks and scratches throughout. The breech system remains intact and functional, though the firearm is offered strictly as a non-firing historical collectible.

Dimensions (approximate)
Overall length: 46.25 in

Age
Dated 1864, Snider-Enfield Mk II conversion

Learn More

Deepen your understanding of the Snider-Enfield system and its pivotal role in the evolution of 19th-century military firearms: Snider-Enfield Breechloader – National Museum of American History

Explore more collectible firearms, military rifles, and historic weaponry from across eras in our curated collection: Collectible Firearms & Historical Weaponry – Relic And Rarity

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: United Kingdom
Material: Steel, brass, and walnut wood
Period: Mid-19th Century (Dated 1864)

Description
A fine British military firearm of the Victorian era, this Snider-Enfield Pattern 1853 Mark II Service Rifle illustrates the critical transition from muzzle-loading to breech-loading systems. Originally a percussion cap musket, it was converted in the early 1860s under Jacob Snider’s patented mechanism, later officially adopted by the British Army in 1866.

The lockplate is crisply stamped “ENFIELD 1864” beneath Queen Victoria’s crown and cypher (“VR”), with additional military inspection and proof marks throughout the steel fittings. The rifle features the hinged breechblock system characteristic of the Mk II conversions, along with its original brass trigger guard and butt plate. The walnut stock bears the warm, worn patina of active service, showing clear signs of field use.

Features

- Stamped with Queen Victoria’s royal cypher (“VR” beneath crown) and dated 1864

- “ENFIELD” arsenal marking, confirming Royal Small Arms Factory production

- Converted to breech-loading using the Snider Mk II mechanism

- Brass hardware: trigger guard and butt plate

- Walnut stock with period wear and patina

- Military proof and inspection stamps visible throughout

Cultural Significance
The Snider-Enfield was the first breech-loading rifle to be widely adopted by British and colonial forces. Its conversion design extended the life of the Pattern 1853 Enfield muskets while introducing cartridge-based firepower, representing a pivotal moment in the modernization of global military technology. Rifles of this type saw extensive service across the Empire in campaigns of the mid-to-late 19th century.

Condition
Good overall antique condition. The steelwork shows patina and surface wear consistent with age. The walnut stock has been shortened, likely for cavalry or colonial field use, with handling marks and scratches throughout. The breech system remains intact and functional, though the firearm is offered strictly as a non-firing historical collectible.

Dimensions (approximate)
Overall length: 46.25 in

Age
Dated 1864, Snider-Enfield Mk II conversion

Learn More

Deepen your understanding of the Snider-Enfield system and its pivotal role in the evolution of 19th-century military firearms: Snider-Enfield Breechloader – National Museum of American History

Explore more collectible firearms, military rifles, and historic weaponry from across eras in our curated collection: Collectible Firearms & Historical Weaponry – Relic And Rarity

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