The Snider system was a conversion of the British Army’s muzzle loaded Percussion rifles to a breech-loading configuration. The empty cartridge was extracted by hand manipulation of the extractor device in the Breech Block. Although quickly made obsolete by the introduction of the Martini-Henry Lever Action in 1871 the Snider continued to be used by Colonial Troops up to the early 1900s. This example is a non-standard weapon of an artillery carbine "type" , probably a rework contract for volunteer use, and made from a Mark III three band rifle. All the fittings appear to be from a three bander, and the configuration appears right for that. It is notable that is does not have a bayonet bar, a standard socket bayonet will not fit on it, as the muzzle is oversized, being the shortened three band barrel.
Marks and Stamps: (Top of breech) K.T. 1808 III (L side of barrel) STEEL Multiple proof marks (Lock plate) VR Cypher Crown Arrow 1869 ENFIELD (R side of Butt) Various obscured marks R. M. V. 94| Accession Number: 29 | Period of Use: 1869 -1900s |
| Type: Black powder rifle | War Zones: Zulu Wars; Boer War |
| Country of Origin: UK | Type Date: Unknown |
| Manufacturer: Royal Small Arms Factory , Enfield | Serial Number: 1808 |
| Manufacture Date: 1869 | Calibre/Ammunition: 0.577" |
| Weight: | Length Overall: |
| Cyclic Rate: single shot | Length Barrel: |
| Deactivation Certificate Number: Antique |