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British Snider Conv. Infantry Rifle, mkd Tower

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD
British Snider Conv. Infantry Rifle, mkd Tower
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British Snider Conversion Infantry Rifle, marked Tower, NVSN, .577 Boxer CF cal., 37'' barrel is marked ''Steel'' and with numerous view and proofmarks at left breech, as is receiver; flush steel lockplate marked ''(crown)/V.R'' behind hammer and ''1885/Tower'' ahead; three steel barrel bands (top with sling swivel), sling swivel at front of brass triggerguard, brass buttplate and two lock screw escutcheons, brass nose cap, and slotted/grooved steel cleaning rod. Integral block-blade front and adjustable sliding-leaf rear sights. Nicely figured one-piece European walnut fullstock. Condition is fine showing approx. 85% original blue finish to barrel, pronounced case colors to lockplate, gunmetal gray receiver, and light patina to brass. Smooth and sound stock is marked ''G.D'' to rear of raised area opposite lock. Action is tight and crisp; bore is shiny with distinct rifling. As did most militaries in the late 1860s and early 1870s, Britain chose to adapt many of its obsolete P-1853 percussion arms to the new metallic cartridge system. The highly successful Snider conversion (invented by American Jacob Snider) utilizes a simple side-hinged breechblock with a floating firing pin. Est.: $1,000-$1,500. (Antique)