Need Help from Snider Enfield Experts!

[Andy]

A friend was given a 1860 Enfield that I believe to be a Cavalry Carbine, and is willing to sell it to me. I would like to know just what it is, and a price range estimate of its value so that I can pay accordingly. It appears to be Good or better in all respects, with a nice bore, and in sound operating condition. Here are some pics:

 

[green]

It is a Snider cadet carbine which was made by cutting down long rifles for the high school army cadets c1905. It is identifiable by the long rear sight, bead front sight, solid butt plate and filled in cleaning rod channel It was issued to Number 137 Cadet Corps rack number 46. A cavalry carbine will have a trap in the butt plate for a 2 piece jointed cleaning rod, a shorter rear sight graduated for 600 yds, no swivel hole in the trigger guard and a block front sight. It had been previously issued to the 25th Militia Battalion ,St Thomas ,ON when it was still a long rifle.

 

[Claven2]

What green said - the long sight is a dead giveaway. What's the Mk# on the breech block?

Also, is it struck bright? Originally it should be browned.

 

[Andy]

Thanks guys. It's a MkII*, and the metal has been "cleaned up" :? The wood has the original finish, the bore is great, and everything functions very well. I like the Southern Ontario links to it and intend to shoot it.

The guy wants about $200 which I am willing to give, but I don't want to exploit a friend.

My next question will be what do I need to start shooting the darn thing. Lee 58 cal cast minies, and 24 gauge boxer brass from Rayner Shine is a good start. But what about dies? Lee doesn't list them, so am I talking custom prices?