Snider-Enfield Advice, Please

ATOM

ATOM

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Staying with a friend who has just showed me a family heirloom, what looks to my forgetful eye to be an early Snider-Enfield. His father used it for deer hunting in the Depression (successfully) but he is getting on and none of his family is interested in it. It is in excellent shape.

I am not - not - selling it for him nor soliciting offers. I did however say I would try to steer him to a source of info on the piece, which I think he will eventually want to sell. Suggestions for a good site would be appreciated. Also, any rough idea of what it might be worth? (Yes, I know that depends on maker, mark, condition, etc - just roughly, please.)

Thanks.
 
You could post your question on the British Militaria Forum. Lots of knowledge about Victorian era arms and a forum just for Sniders. I have also noticed a lot of the same people here.

When stating values a picture is pretty much a requirement.
 
OK, back home. I now have some pix and more details.

It's a Mk II** long rifle. There is no DC lozenge stamp, nor regimental markings on the butt tang (no markings at all there). Some previous owner has scratched the initials AA in the brasswork. The provenance is that it was used during the Dirty Thirties in Southern Ontario by a friend's grandfather, who had immigrated to Canada from the UK in (I think) the early 1920s). It apparently worked well and kept the family fed. No other history.

The condition is remarkably good for the age and known usage. The stock has the usual wear marks - scratches and dents, but you have to look for them. The finish is surprisingly good. The bore (three-groove) looks pretty good, too. From what I could see in my brief look at it, it is fully functional. If I had to go with the NRA description standards for antiques (https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/449731-Nra-condition-standards-for-firearms) I would go with Fine or better. (I am not an experienced antiques evaluator of course).

The item has a fairly bog-standard bayonet with sheath (good condition, incl the leather in the sheath) and (if it matters) two .577 rounds, one apparently a factory Kynoch with lead bullet and the other a v early foil-case round with iron rim).

So, I now know what it is. (I am, again, not offering it for sale; that will be up to the owner.) What I would appreciate, please, are some suggestions as to value and perhaps a link to some good Snider-Enfield sites for the owner.

Thanks.

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That looks very nice.

Recently at Switzer's auction two sold for about $450 each less 25% commission.

I would say that yours is better than those as one was missing the ramrod and the other had a reproduction ramrod and considerable rust.

The summer auction generally will see about 20% lower prices.

I would say reasonable price would be $500-600 with no bayonet or sling etc

Of course the Equipment Exchange here tends to have different prices (generally higher by a bit :) )

That wood seems to be in great shape.

Congratulations on a great heirloom! :)
 
Depending on bore condition, a good sound shooter $750 - $800 and at least $100 more for bayonet, and that might be lowball for the bayonet.
I have only seen junk as low as previous suggestions.
 
If the bayonet is in nice condition, with a few 'WD' type stamps or numbers, and a scabbard with good leather the bayonet/scabbard combo might now even be pushing towards $200.

Unless the family is broke, since the Snider as an antique is free of paperwork and storage rules, and it comes with a family history, I find it surprising someone somewhere in the family wouldn't want to keep it permanently. Whoever that is should have to make a commitment they will not then turn around and sell it.
 
Depending on bore condition, a good sound shooter $750 - $800 and at least $100 more for bayonet, and that might be lowball for the bayonet.
I have only seen junk as low as previous suggestions.
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I'm in the same ball park, maybe a tad less, but again, depending on bore condition.

That being said, the market in (Canada only) is a bit flooded with Snider Enfield.

It's more of a buyers market at the moment.

Antique firearms collector - shooters seem to be getting thin in the ranks.

A beautiful condition short rifle (2 band) sat on a table at a gun show here in Toronto, Ontario in the early spring, it finally went for $450.00

I was really tempted, but I have tooooooo d@m many as it is.

Pictures are good, but the one showing overall length is kind of washed out, which makes it hard to judge.

Are there any numbers on either side of the rear end of the stock?

Do me a favour and turn that nipple protector around, it's on @ss backwards.

If anyone is on Facebookie;

https: //www.facebook.com/groups/707539612638515/?ref=bookmarks

or as already mentioned, British Militaria Forums, but quicker answers and easier posting on Facebookie.
 
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cigar_man said:
Do me a favour and turn that nipple protector around, it's on @ss backwards.
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I know. Already done. I've been wincing every time I look at the photo. Mea culpa.

cigar_man said:
Are there any numbers on either side of the rear end of the stock?
Click to expand...

No, just the big 1 under the stock-maker's mark.


Thanks everybody for the feedback.
 
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