Enfield Snider-Enfield Mk II Short Rifle (Two-Band) .577 Snider, 30.5" Barrel, Victorian-Era British Breech-Loader
This Victorian-era Snider-Enfield Mk II Short Rifle (Two-Band) is a .577 Snider breech-loader with a 30.5" barrel and Tower-marked 1859 lockplate from a Pattern 1853 conversion. It features the side-hinged Snider breech system and period-correct markings. Historically issued to rifle regiments, sergeants, and specialist troops, it represents Britain’s first general-issue breech-loading service rifle system.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. It has various cosmetic imperfections, scratches, blemishes, and areas of finish loss. The bore remains clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Enfield Snider-Enfield Mk II Short Rifle (Two-Band) chambered in .577 Snider
The Mk II Short Rifle configuration uses the two-band pattern with a 30.5" steel barrel and a full-length walnut stock. It is fitted with a brass buttplate, brass trigger guard and nosecap, and steel barrel bands; the front sling swivel is on the upper band and the rear sling swivel is on the trigger guard bow. Oval brass side-nail escutcheons are present, consistent with this pattern.
The action is a single-shot, external-hammer system using the Snider side-hinged breech block. The block incorporates a spring-latch and a visible extractor, reflecting the hallmark features of the Snider conversion for faster loading than muzzle-loading rifles.
Markings include a crown over V.R. and TOWER 1859 on the lockplate, WD and D9 on the breech block, and British inspection/proof marks on the barrel near the rear sight. A numeral 25 appears between rosette/star stamps. The Tower-marked lock evidences a Pattern 1853 conversion to the Snider system.
Sighting is by iron sights: a fixed front blade and a ladder/leaf rear sight. The rifle retains its Victorian-era character and British origin, with a 13.5" length of pull and steel receiver and barrel construction. As an antique and collectible example of the Snider system, it stands out for its service history and recognizable pattern features.