RARE, Enfield Naval Pattern 58, 5 groove, 2 Band, British WD, Converted To A Snider MK II**, 1861 Dated, .577 Obsolete Centre Fire Regulation Calibre Rifle. Sn - 21335 Enfield Naval Pattern 58, 5 groove, 2 Band, British WD, Converted To A Snider MK II**, 1861 Dated, .577 Obsolete Centre Fire Regulation Calibre Rifle. Sn - 21335 Muzzleloader .577 Rifles

This is a good example of the rare Enfield Naval Pattern 58, 5 groove, 2 Band, naval rifle converted to the Snider breech loading system. The Naval pattern rifle was introduced in 1858 and differs from the land pattern rifle with the fittings being made out of brass instead of iron and the rear sling swivel fitted to the front of the trigger guard instead of at the rear of the tang. The action plate is stamped With Queens Crown VR (Victoria Regina), the date 1861 and an inspection stamp. The rifle has all original undamaged wood work in good condition with brass butt plate, fore end block and trigger guard. The rifle has sling swivels, the correct square regulation iron cleaning rod, 1000 yard ladder rear sight, bayonet mount to the right hand side of the barrel and a blade fore sight. The barrel has age related patina to the surface and the bore is clean with 5 groove rifling. The barrel and breech are stamped with Enfield proof & WD marks. The breech has the correct hinged cover with knurled steel catch and the WD inspection mark and ‘II**’ designation. Total length is 49” with a 30 ¾ ” barrel. Later on it the rifles service, the top of the tang was stamped VLLR 266 when it was issued as gun number 266 to the 1st Linlithgowshire Rifle Volunteers. This volunteer company was raised in Linithgow in 1860. The butt has a crisp Birmingham storekeepers stamp dated 1868 and is also stamped I.T over T and a Birmingham crowned stamp near to the butt plate. The loading and firing actions work crisply. See page 8, Catalogue of the Enfield Pattern Room, British Rifles, published by Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. The price includes UK delivery. NB as an antique obsolete calibre rifle no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 21335