1863 Enfield Snider Conversion Rifle – .577 Caliber

This is a British Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle-Musket, manufactured at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield in 1863, and later arsenal-converted to the Snider-Enfield breech-loading system. It represents Britain’s first generation of metallic cartridge service rifles, marking the transition from percussion muzzle-loaders to modern breech-loaders.

🔎 Key Details

Model: Enfield P53 Rifle (Snider Conversion)

Year: 1863

Caliber: .577 Snider

Overall Length: ~55 inches

Barrel: ~39 inches, 5-groove rifling, strong bore

Markings: Lockplate marked “1863 ENFIELD” with British military proofs and inspection stamps

Features: Brass buttplate, trigger guard, and furniture; clear inspector cartouches on stock

Condition: Excellent overall – crisp markings, sharp rifling, solid mechanics, well-maintained wood

📜 Historical Significance

Originally the standard British infantry rifle of the mid-19th century

Converted in the 1860s to use the .577 Snider metallic cartridge

Served widely across the British Empire until replaced by the Martini-Henry in the 1870s

A key transitional firearm in Victorian-era military history

⚖️ Collectibility

Authentic 1863-dated Enfield production

Desirable Snider conversion with strong bore and clear proofs

A fine addition for collectors of British Empire arms, black powder shooting, and Victorian military history