Snider & Martini Henry
Two of my favourite guns.
Snider, lots of Canadian history, in fact used for longer in Canada than in Britain. In use from the late 1860's until past 1900. Prices range considerably depending on history, markings etc. At gun shows I have seen them anywhere from $350 - $800. I shoot my Mk.II** regularly & it is a very simple rifle to handload for.
Martini Henry price will depend on which mark it is, The Mk.II is well known from the Zulu wars. Canada purchased some Mk.I's which are very rare but only issued them on a limited scale.
Canada later (in the 1880's) also purchased 5000 Mk.III's but again did not general issue them, although some did (from memory) go on one of the uprisings out West (Red River I think). Some of the Mk.III's were used by Canadian shooting teams as well. A harder gun to load for, but tons of fun if you like working up loads & very, very historical.
Value, depends on the MK. but anywhere from $300 to double or triple for a "mint" Mk.I. The Mk.IV usually at the cheaper end.
Try Martini Henry.com & the British Militaria Forum for ton's of information, also the Gunboards forum have a Martini section.
PM me if you have any other specific questions.
Peter (Burlington, Ontario)
i have a couple of questions on these guns an would like to hear some history on both, if there is somebody that knows some stuff on these guns. First of all there is a local guy that has these 2 guns for sale. I think there are a Snider Enfield rolling block action 577 calibre Mark III short rifle, and the other gun is a Enfield Martin Henry lever action rolling block in a 577/450 calibre. Both rifles are in good to mint codition. If anyone out there knows any history on these guns and a ball park price please reply back.
Thanks
MOOSE
