Combat Diver
Well-Known Member
More even older British history. These all appear to be original guns and locks.
Left P1853 Enfield 3 band .65 cal smoothbore, date on lock is 1860. Also used by both sides during the War of Northern Aggression
Martini-Henry Mk III in .577/450 rifled, made by London Small Arms Co. in 1876
Center P1856 Calvary Carbine .58 cal rifled. Has swinging ram rod so it wouldn't get lost on horseback, side ring used to hook to bar on leather strap over shoulder (single point system used 150 yrs ago) Made by Enfield in 1861. Notice 3 leaf express sights. Used by both sides during WNA.
Not sure of the original model but sporterized 1858 carbine in .65 cal smoothbore, made by Tower in 1860. Patch box added to stock, modified trigger guard and bands missing.
Far right: Snider conversion Mk III, lock dated Enfield 1858. Snider was an American who designed a breech system for existing muzzleloading rifles. Same concept to reduce cost using exist stocks of rifles instead of new rifles. Just cut a section of rear barrel out and add breach block. The US did the same after the Civil War with the trap door rifles in 50-70 and 45-70. The Mk III here used a new steel barrel and lock over the conversions of the older guns. Adjustable sights on bbl.
CD
Left P1853 Enfield 3 band .65 cal smoothbore, date on lock is 1860. Also used by both sides during the War of Northern Aggression
Martini-Henry Mk III in .577/450 rifled, made by London Small Arms Co. in 1876
Center P1856 Calvary Carbine .58 cal rifled. Has swinging ram rod so it wouldn't get lost on horseback, side ring used to hook to bar on leather strap over shoulder (single point system used 150 yrs ago) Made by Enfield in 1861. Notice 3 leaf express sights. Used by both sides during WNA.
Not sure of the original model but sporterized 1858 carbine in .65 cal smoothbore, made by Tower in 1860. Patch box added to stock, modified trigger guard and bands missing.
Far right: Snider conversion Mk III, lock dated Enfield 1858. Snider was an American who designed a breech system for existing muzzleloading rifles. Same concept to reduce cost using exist stocks of rifles instead of new rifles. Just cut a section of rear barrel out and add breach block. The US did the same after the Civil War with the trap door rifles in 50-70 and 45-70. The Mk III here used a new steel barrel and lock over the conversions of the older guns. Adjustable sights on bbl.
CD