I am currently in the process of researching Snider Cavalry Carbines, issued to the NWMP. I am reaching out to the CGN community for a little assistance.
It is well documented that the force was equipped with 352 Snider Short Rifles and Carbines, all of which were drawn from Canadian Military stores between 1873 and 1876. The Canadian government's supply of Snider Carbines had come from an order of 2500, which were delivered in 1871 and 1872. These Carbines were used by the NWMP until the mid 1880s, when they were replaced by the Winchester Carbine. No records can be located as to what happened to these 352 Sniders, but the Canadian military continued to use Sniders, possibly as late as 1905.
No single record of serial numbers of Snider Carbines used by the NWMP has been found. However, in their research for the book "Arms and Accoutrements of the Mounted Police", Don Klancher and Roger Phillips located 116 serial numbers of Snider Carbines used by the force, from various sources. These serial numbers are the sole method currently available to identify these force-owned guns, as it appears the force did not apply any distinct markings of their own. This leaves approximately 2/3's of the Carbines possessed by the force unaccounted for - I am looking to fill this gap by documenting commonalities in markings and other potentially distinguishing characteristics.
I am subsequently seeking anyone who might possess or know of the location of a NWMP Snider Carbine (or short rifle), either with known NWMP providence, or one with a serial number from Arms and Accoutrements. This includes museums and private collections (other than the RCMP museum in Regina). If anyone with information could either contact me publicly on this thread, or privately (discretion assured) via PM, it would be most appreciated!
I have corresponded with one CGN'r already, thanks very much to that member!
It is well documented that the force was equipped with 352 Snider Short Rifles and Carbines, all of which were drawn from Canadian Military stores between 1873 and 1876. The Canadian government's supply of Snider Carbines had come from an order of 2500, which were delivered in 1871 and 1872. These Carbines were used by the NWMP until the mid 1880s, when they were replaced by the Winchester Carbine. No records can be located as to what happened to these 352 Sniders, but the Canadian military continued to use Sniders, possibly as late as 1905.
No single record of serial numbers of Snider Carbines used by the NWMP has been found. However, in their research for the book "Arms and Accoutrements of the Mounted Police", Don Klancher and Roger Phillips located 116 serial numbers of Snider Carbines used by the force, from various sources. These serial numbers are the sole method currently available to identify these force-owned guns, as it appears the force did not apply any distinct markings of their own. This leaves approximately 2/3's of the Carbines possessed by the force unaccounted for - I am looking to fill this gap by documenting commonalities in markings and other potentially distinguishing characteristics.
I am subsequently seeking anyone who might possess or know of the location of a NWMP Snider Carbine (or short rifle), either with known NWMP providence, or one with a serial number from Arms and Accoutrements. This includes museums and private collections (other than the RCMP museum in Regina). If anyone with information could either contact me publicly on this thread, or privately (discretion assured) via PM, it would be most appreciated!
I have corresponded with one CGN'r already, thanks very much to that member!
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