^Lot 45 British Snider Mk II Long Rifle

British Snider Mk II Long Rifle, by Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield, NVSN, .577 Boxer CF cal., 36.5'' barrel with block-blade front and adjustable sliding-leaf rear sights marked ''3/B'' over ''17/B'' and ''(crown)/TP'' at breech; the latter mark is repeated on the receiver along with ''(asterisk)/II'', the side-hinged Snider patent breechblock is marked ''B.S.A. Co.'' and ''9/B'' outside and with two proofmarks inside; the flat lockplate is marked ''1860/Enfield'', ''(crown-broad arrow)'' and ''4'' ahead of the hammer and with a large crown over ''V.R'' behind; three steel barrel bands (top with sling swivel); brass triggerguard with sling swivel at front of bow; brass buttplate marked with a proofmark at top screw and a large ''246'' below; two ''eared'' brass sideplate screw escutcheons; slotted steel ramrod having cannelures and a dished square head; oil-stained English hardwood fullstock marked with a circular ''R(crown)M - Enfield'' cartouche over ''1'' on right butt, and ''D G/O V A'' on left. Condition is very good to near fine, the barrel with a smooth blue-brown patina, the barrel bands with much glossy original blue, the other steel parts a clean gunmetal gray, the brass with light age patina, the buttplate with scattered dings. Sharp metal edges and markings throughout. Stock is smooth and sound, with minimal handling/use marks, a nice grain pattern and crisp edges and markings. Action is smooth and sure; bore is bright with sharp rifling. This simple yet brilliant cartridge conversion breech, invented by American Jacob Snider, was widely used until the advent of the Martini-Henry action in the mid-1870s. Est.: $750-$1,500. (Antique)