Original Item: Jacob Snider, an American from New York, developed this breech loading system for the P-1853 Enfield, the most prolific imported Percussion rifle in use by both the North and South during the U.S. Civil War. When the British Board of Ordnance appointed a Select Committee in 1864 the Snider system was swiftly adopted with the first breech loaders being issued in 1865 to British forces. Improved in 1867 by the use of Colonel Boxer's center fire brass bodied cartridge, the rifle was used very effectively in the Abyssinian Campaign of 1868. The system utilized a hinged breech block with an internal firing pin assembly that permitted the use of a self contained cartridge of lead bullet in cardboard, and, after 1867, brass casing. This highly efficient conversion system prolonged the active life of the P-1853 rifles up until 1871 when the Martini System was adopted. Snider rifles saw continued use throughout the Empire but were officially obsolete by the late 1880s.

These weapons are from our 2003 acquisition of the Nepal Royal Arsenal. Exact date and origin of manufacture are unknown. We suspect they were manufactured in Nepal under British War Department supervision. Although it is possible that some were unmarked British manufacture which the Nepalese then made their own.

These 140+ year-old Rifles and Socket Bayonets are TOTALLY untouched and offered in AS IS condition for you to enjoy!

What does "Untouched Condition" mean? OK, this is exactly what we are offering: Genuine P-1864 Snider type Breech Loading Rifle with Short Socket Bayonet that have laid undisturbed for nearly 150 years in far from perfect storage conditions in the Old Palace of Lagan Silekhana in Katmandu, Nepal. Our DVD of "TREASURE IS WHERE YOU FIND IT" shows these very weapons as we found them and the story behind them.

What you will get:

• - Lock
• - Barrel
• - Breech Block
• - New Made or Original Brass Butt Plate (fitting required)
• - 3 Barrel Bands
• - Brass Trigger Guard
• - Stock [May have Cracks, Missing Chunks, Old repairs, Wood Rot]

What you might not get:

• - Cleaning Rod
• - Screws [Sling Swivel, Butt Plate, Lock, etc]
• - Breech Block Lever
• - Firing Pin
• - Brass Nose Cap
• - Sling Swivel
• - Barrel Springs
• - Small internal parts
• - Other bits

Typical Condition:

• - Will show Rust
• - Will be Covered in filth
• - May not operate
• - May be incomplete
• - Stock may be broken or cracked
• - May be frozen in grime

However, EVERY P-1864 SNIDER WILL BE 100% GENUINE!

We ask you to look closely at the photographs, the example photographed here is a typical gun that could expect to receive, read reviews, both good and bad, and only then place an order understanding what you are likely to receive. We want Educated Aware Customers. If it isn't what you expect, that is fine, return it (before you attempt any restoration or cleaning) and the full gun purchase price will be refunded to you, however the customer will pay shipping both ways. We cannot exchange guns and will not get into an exchange situation, so please do not ask.?We are not trying to sell you an incomplete weapon and then sell you the missing parts. We will do our best to make sure it is complete as possible. One day we will also sell replacement parts, but that is in the distant future.

We are not trying to frustrate you; we are trying to fill a void in the marketplace for genuine but affordable rare and unique antique weapons so that collectors and historians of all backgrounds can enjoy a genuine part of history. These should be viewed as "project" guns, work on it with your Son or Grandson, clean it up, hang it over your mantle, or don't clean it, they are impressive anyway you seem them. The price is affordable; the history is priceless.

If you want to shoot it, DON'T! If you still want to shoot it, take it to a licensed GUNSMITH first. These are 130+ year-old hand made guns, be very careful, IMA sells these for display purposes only, they are not intended to be fired. Please buy our products, but do read the reviews and descriptions first. We feel you will agree that the recovery of old weapons from Nepal was a milestone for the collecting fraternity and we hope you enjoy a genuine antique weapon that has never been touched by any other collector than you.

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: 1860s - 1870s
Caliber: .577 Snider
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: About 36 inches - varies
Overall Length: About 54 inches - varies
Action: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Side Hinge Rotating Breech block

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.