Nepalese Government Arsenal Nepalese Made .577 Enfield 2nd Model 3 Band Rifle. Sn - 21393:31 Single Shot .577 Rifle

This is a scarce Nepalese made, .577 second model, 3 band Enfield rifle which is a copy of the British 3 band .577 Second Model Enfield rifle where the barrel is held in by three solid barrel bands retained by spring clips inset into the walnut stock. British made 2nd model rifles were made between 1855 and 1858 and the Indian models mirrored this date in manufacture so it is possible that this rifle saw action in the Indian mutiny in 1857. In 1858 the .577 3 band rifle was replaced by the 1st model Indian .700” Musket which was one of these rifles bored out to .700” with a smooth bore, a v notch rear sight and a block foresight. The rifle differs to the British made guns in that there are no markings on the lock plate, the rear sight is marked in Nepalese script and the lower sling swivel is the Pattern 1842 musket one. The top of the barrel is stamped in Nepalese script and the barrel near the breech plug has a circular mark near to the joint. The 3 grooved rifled barrel is clean with some staining from residue. The butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap are made of brass, the trigger guard and tang of the butt plate carry Nepalese script. The walnut stock carries the usual bumps and knocks from service. The cocking and firing actions work crisply. See Section A, Muzzle Loading Arms on pages 5 & 6 , item RB 33 for the similar Enfield made rifle made between 1855 and 1858 in 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 and no licence is required to own this musket in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 21393:31