Victorian British Officer’s Private Purchase, Regulation Pattern, .577 Obsolete Calibre Snider Patent 3 Band Percussion Rifle By C. Ingram (Glasgow, Scotland) Regiment Marked ‘HK’ To The Hong Kong Volunteers & 1 x Inert Deactivated Round. Sn 21146 Single Shot .577 Rifles

Victorian British Officer’s Private Purchase, Regulation Pattern, .577 Obsolete Calibre Snider Patent 3 Band Percussion Rifle By C. Ingram (Glasgow, Scotland) Regiment Marked ‘HK’ To The Hong Kong Volunteers & 1 x Inert Deactivated Round. Sn 21146 - 21146

The Hong Kong Volunteers was formed in 1854 when the Crimean War led to a reduction of the British military presence in Hong Kong. To help bolster the defences at a time when marauding pirates were still a hazard on the China coast a call for local volunteers was made. A total of 99 Europeans were recruited, mostly British. This is a very good Yeomanry/ Volunteer private purchase .577 Calibre Regulation Pattern Snider, 3 Band Military Rifle Of The Hong Kong Volunteers. It has all original Walnut woodwork which has just the bumps and bruises consistent with age and service use. The stock has chequered grip panels at the wrist and fore stock. The shoulder stock is carved ‘H.K 73:1’ (Hong Kong Volunteers & January 1873 Regiment issue date). It has an ornately foliate engraved action plate marked by the retailer ‘C.Ingram’ (a Victorian Glasgow based maker of quality firearms established 1832 internet resource https://www.theglasgowstory.com/image/?inum=TGSA00184). The breech cover with MK III type locking catch is marked ‘Snider Patent' with 'arrow S' trademark and the metal work has British & other inspection / proof marks. The metal work is undamaged and has even patina. It has a brass butt plate, trigger guard with extended tang & fore end block. The rifle measures 54 ¾” overall with a 35 ½” barrel and is complete with sling swivels, steel ram rod, block & blade fore sight and ladder rear sight. The action is fitted with brass ling chained nipple protector. The bore is clean with crisp rifling. It's cocking and firing action work crisply. The rifle comes with a single Inert Deactivated Round Of Kynoch .577 x 450 Ammunition. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique obsolete calibre weapon no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 21146

£1495