Snider Enfield ~_S Markings_~ ??

[jpc]

Hello

Buttplate is stamped with what appears to be a 'S'

Any ideas

Plate is dated 1860

take care and thanks

jpc

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[deckerhead]

It might mean........ "Sold out of Service" ? Meaning just that, the rifle was at the end of its useful military life was sold into the commercial market. But I'm no expert.

 

[tacfoley]

'Sold out of service' stamp is a pair of opposing broad arrows - looking like a large asterisk - * .

I'm going for a rack letter.

tac

PS - NICE Snider.

 

[englishman_ca]

Is it stamped or hand engraved?

 

[jpc]

Engraved

 

[CMichaud]

A long shot but check the LOP against other Sniders and see if it is shorter. Perhaps the S designated a shortened butt stock?

 

[tacfoley]

I never knew that they made variations in the butt length for ANY Victorian-era military arms.

tac

 

[CMichaud]

I never knew that they made variations in the butt length for ANY Victorian-era military arms.

tac

Not saying they did...I am just theorizing here. The S remind me of the L stamped on my SMLE butt.

Thinking about it further though, I suppose this is unlikely as the butt plate would have to be altered if the butt was nipped back.

 

[green]

Possibly Ottawa 2nd Rifle Coy which used the S as a unit designation from the early 1860s.

 

[tacfoley]

Possibly Ottawa 2nd Rifle Coy which used the S as a unit designation from the early 1860s.

Sounds good to me - is there a DC in diamond stamp anywhere to show Canadian ownership?

tac

 

[jpc]

is there a DC in diamond stamp


Not that I could find

 

[RifleDude]

is there a DC in diamond stamp


Not that I could find

Usually on the left side of the butt.

 

[tacfoley]

If there isn't one, it prolly means that it was issued into service prior to the 1867 Confederation date. I have a Québec Garrison Artillery short rifle without a DC, but to make up for it, my Welland & Lincoln County three-bander has TWO.

tac