Snider Carbine .577 P-1853 Mark I

Bill M · 1st October 2008, 01:38 PM

Went down to Atlanta Cutlery to pick up a few khuks for a friend in Mexico (they don't ship there) and fell in love with this little carbine.

1837 and 1842 Enfields were heavily used by both North and South in the American Civil War in the 1860s.

According to the guy at AC, Snider rifles and the very rare carbines started life as a percussion cap Enfield. In the mid 1800s metallic cartridges were becoming popular. Faster to reload and more durable in the field than muzzle loaders. However Enfiled had a huge supply of fine muzzle loaders that were rapidly becoming obsolete.

An American, Joseph Snider, had an idea to modify these percussion cap rifles and muskets by cutting the end of the barrel and installing a breech-block mechanism that allowed reloading with a .577 caliber metallic centerfire cartridge.

When the trigger is pulled, the hammer hits a projection in the nipple that transmits the force to a firing pin inside the breech, that hits the primer. Then you pull open the breech, pull out the brass, and insert a new cartridge.

Mine is a Mark I, the first of three models. The later models had a lock to hold the breech closed. It seems very solid.

I am having it checked out to determine if mine would be safe to fire it. All I need to do is to find some 140 year old ammo. Actually the collector ammo is available, but incredibly expensive. Modern made ammo is also available and less expensive.

Marked "J.C.&A. LORD. London, Birmingham & Bombay" on barrel. Checkered stock and engraved metal. Lord's was an outfitter similar to Abercrombie & Fitch. The rifle does have British proof marks, and thus is of British manufacture.

"According to research done by Rob Whittaker, this long-established East India merchant was based near the metal trades quarter in Birmingham. Originally the firm was known as J. Lord & Co., and by 1850 was located at Friday Bridge. By the 1860's the firm was trading as J. C. & A. Lord, and located at 69 Newhall Street. By the close of the 19th century, the name had been changed to J.C. & W. Lord. "

Hope that you enjoy the pictures!

1st October 2008, 01:38 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Snider Carbine .577 P-1853 Mark I Went down to Atlanta Cutlery to pick up a few khuks for a friend in Mexico (they don't ship there) and fell in love with this little carbine. 1837 and 1842 Enfields were heavily used by both North and South in the American Civil War in the 1860s. According to the guy at AC, Snider rifles and the very rare carbines started life as a percussion cap Enfield. In the mid 1800s metallic cartridges were becoming popular. Faster to reload and more durable in the field than muzzle loaders. However Enfiled had a huge supply of fine muzzle loaders that were rapidly becoming obsolete. An American, Joseph Snider, had an idea to modify these percussion cap rifles and muskets by cutting the end of the barrel and installing a breech-block mechanism that allowed reloading with a .577 caliber metallic centerfire cartridge. When the trigger is pulled, the hammer hits a projection in the nipple that transmits the force to a firing pin inside the breech, that hits the primer. Then you pull open the breech, pull out the brass, and insert a new cartridge. Mine is a Mark I, the first of three models. The later models had a lock to hold the breech closed. It seems very solid. I am having it checked out to determine if mine would be safe to fire it. All I need to do is to find some 140 year old ammo. Actually the collector ammo is available, but incredibly expensive. Modern made ammo is also available and less expensive. Marked "J.C.&A. LORD. London, Birmingham & Bombay" on barrel. Checkered stock and engraved metal. Lord's was an outfitter similar to Abercrombie & Fitch. The rifle does have British proof marks, and thus is of British manufacture. "According to research done by Rob Whittaker, this long-established East India merchant was based near the metal trades quarter in Birmingham. Originally the firm was known as J. Lord & Co., and by 1850 was located at Friday Bridge. By the 1860's the firm was trading as J. C. & A. Lord, and located at 69 Newhall Street. By the close of the 19th century, the name had been changed to J.C. & W. Lord. " Hope that you enjoy the pictures! Attached Images