Identification Enfield-Snider

[frichtie]

Hi all, this is a friend's rifle (I wouldn't put a "tie-wrap" on it...)
We need some help to identify it properly. It's a Enfield-Snider....so I put some images of the markings hoping you people can tell us more.
The rifle is currently some 650 km away from me. Didn't take a picture of the buttplate as there was nothing marked there. So if better images are needed, there will be a delay as my old friend can't use a computer. (I myself hardly can...)
Many thanks for any input,

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[milsurpo]

I believe it's a slightly cut back Mk II* 3-band rifle. There's too much in front of the upper band for it to be an original 2-band ("Sargeants rifle"). I also don't think there are II* 2-band rifles, only II**, III, and a few I*. The II* model differs from the original "I" in having the rim recess in the chamber squared off to fit the improved ammunition that had brass or iron washers instead of a rolled rim. It appears that your friends rifle was an Enfield conversion of an Enfield P53.

milsurpo

 

[tacfoley]

Count the grooves - there should be three. Most sergeants' rifles, including mine, had/have five. With a deal of TLC and the liberal use of some BLO, this will end up a very nice, if less than authentic, piece to have, maybe even shoot.

Spares like firing pin springs and the volute breech-block spring are readily available from Peter Dyson.

tac

 

[1898guns]

True two-banders used steel buttplates and steel trigger guards. The location of the bayonet lug can tell the story on most cut downs, as well as the front sight placement. On yours the sight looks off and the lug has maybe been shaved off. Like the other fellow said, count the grooves.

 

[frichtie]

Thank you all. We appreciate your help!