British, c.1867, Snider-Enfield .577 3-Band Rifle with Nepalese Socket Bayonet – Marked in Devanagari Script, Obsolete Calibre

A British commercial-pattern Snider-Enfield three-band rifle in .577 calibre, very likely supplied to Nepal in the late 1860s or 1870s, during a period when the British were providing surplus and commercially manufactured arms to support regional allies. This example features a 36.5-inch barrel with a block and blade front sight and an elevating ladder rear sight, engraved with hand-cut numerals in Nepalese Devanagari script — १, २, ३, ४ — representing adapted range graduations.

The breech incorporates the hinged trapdoor action of the Snider system, with the top stamped with the familiar Snider commercial trademark: an arrow piercing the letter "S," above the word “PATENT.” Inside the breech trapdoor, faint stamped lettering appears to read “Barnett London”, indicating a possible link to Samuel & Charles Barnett, a major London-based gunmaker and exporter of military-style arms. Barnett rifles were widely sold into colonial markets, including Nepal.

The rifle is stocked in walnut with three spring-retained iron barrel bands and is fitted with brass trigger guard, buttplate, and nose cap. All brass furniture and hardware components bear matching markings in Nepalese script, including the rear sight, butt tang, trigger guard, and barrel bands. The consistent style and engraving throughout indicate that the rifle remains in its original assembled condition with no evidence of mismatched or replaced parts. An original iron cleaning rod is present, along with both sling swivels.

A Nepalese-manufactured socket bayonet with a 14.5-inch blade is included, numbered ९९९४ (9994) on the socket collar. The bayonet fits correctly and has aged in tandem with the rifle, forming a complete, matching set.

Historical Note:
Adopted by the British Army in 1866, the Snider-Enfield was the first general-issue breech-loading rifle used by British forces. Designed by American inventor Jacob Snider, the system converted existing Pattern 1853 Enfield muzzle-loaders by fitting a side-hinged breech block, allowing for faster reloading and use of the new .577 calibre metallic cartridge.

The earliest conversions, known as Mark I, retained original Enfield components, while later marks were purpose-built as breech-loaders. The Snider remained the standard British service rifle until replaced by the Martini-Henry in 1874, but continued in colonial use — particularly in India and Nepal — well into the early 20th century. Widely exported, the Snider-Enfield became a symbol of British imperial influence and is now regarded as a key transitional firearm in 19th-century military history.

In 1867, the British began supplying Snider rifles to the Kingdom of Nepal, which remained an independent ally on India’s northern frontier. These deliveries included both ex-military arms and commercially manufactured weapons built to military specifications by British firms. Nepal’s early Snider rifles were often fully finished in the UK, while later examples incorporated a mix of British-supplied parts and Nepalese manufacture. Many of these rifles, like the present example, remained in arsenals for decades, stored in palaces such as the Lagan Silekhana Armoury in Kathmandu, where they were rediscovered in the early 2000s after over a century in storage.

*Condition*
The rifle is in very good untouched antique condition and cocks and dry-fires. The steel components have developed a deep, even patina with minor age-related oxidation. The stock is solid and complete, with only light handling wear and no structural damage. Brass furniture is well-preserved with clearly struck script. The breech mechanism opens and locks securely; hammer and trigger function correctly. All Nepalese markings are consistent across the rifle, further supporting its originality. The bayonet fits properly and shows matching wear. A fine and authentic Nepalese-service Snider rifle and bayonet set, rich in provenance and character. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.