Lot 37: Enfield Snider Musket 577

This particular rifle was presented as a shooting award held by Victoria Rifles in 1863 and subsequently refurbished with cartridge. The right side of the buttstock has a round silver inset disk which is inscribed "PRESENTED BY SURGEON STEWART" around the top, "VICTORIA RIFLES" at the bottom and "To The/Marksman &/1st Classmen of the Corps for/COMPETITION/7 Shots at 700 800 & 900Yds Each/WON WITH 41 MARKS BY/PRIVATE C. MILLS/No 1 Compy, 15 Dec/1863" in the center. The lock is marked "1863/L.A.Co.", "L.A.C." is marked on the left side of the barrel chamber and breechblock and the top of the breech block is marked "SNIDER/arrow through an "S"/PATENT", with a "3" next to the marking. The left rear of the barrel is marked with a "crown/GP" and "crown/V" proofs, the number "25" and an unrecognizable marking. The "crown/V" proof is repeated on the left side of the barrel chamber and breechblock. There are two unrecognizable proofs on the barrel tang. The rifle has the distinctive Pattern 3 spring loaded breech block locking latch and flat faced hammer. Blue barrel, with bright blue barrel bands, casehardened lock, hammer and breechblock, sling swivel on the forward barrel band and front of the trigger guard with chain attached nipple cover, and iron cleaning rod with serrated and slotted head. Blade front and adjustable rear sight graduated to 700 yards. The trigger guard is brass with light floral scroll engraving, and the rifle is mounted with a full one piece straight grip walnut stock with checkered rear forearm and wrist area and brass buttplate.

Very fine as Arsenal refurbished. The barrel has 70% blue with the balance a smooth brown patina with scattered traces of the armory blue finish. The barrel bands retain 80% of the original bright blue finish. The lock, hammer and breechblock retain 85% original case colors. The brass has a natural, untouched pleasant aged patina. The stock is also very fine with a minor 1 1/2 inch crack on the right side of the buttstock toe extending forward from the buttplate. Overall there are some scattered minor pressure dents and dings, with crisp checkering. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.