Thomas Turner Private Purchase 2 band Snider Rifle .577

This is an excellent example of a scarce 2 band Snider commonly referred to as the "Sergeant's pattern" as they were issued to Sergeant's in Line Regiments. They were also purchased for use in Volunteer Rifle Corps and this one is most definitely an Officers private purchase. The use by the Volunteers is confirmed by the bayonet bar and the Crown on the lock.
This is an exceptional rifle and features an indented lock and Turners patent rifling which was designed to assist in low fouling and enhanced accuracy. Unlike the conventional 3 groove Snider Carbine rifling the Turner patented rifling has multiple grooves with a tight spiral which become straight towards the end of the muzzle. This rifle has a 31" barrel with an overall length of 49" and the stock is as good as you can get - no cracks or erosion and no-one has attempted to "improve" it with sandpaper! The Thomas Turner cartouche is still extant on the butt. This is clearly a quality rifle, excellent walnut and a silver inlaid name plate in the wrist with the initials I I C D engraved. The finish of the barrel is as new and possibly an early refinish as the skill to achieve this is not so common these days but the condition of the lock plate is mint so possibly I am being over cautious.
The lock is stamped with Thomas Turner's castle trademark which was only used on best guns and is dated 1869. The action is perfect with an indented lock with a smooth crisp let off and the chamber and breech block does not exhibit the usual dents and abrasions normally seen. It is still possible to view the serial number on the breech block which is identical to the serial number on the bayonet bar. The rifle exhibits Birmingham proof marks for 25 bore (.577") and three references to Sniders patent.
I doubt if this rifle has been fired very often. As usual in life nothing is perfect and there is some pitting about 4 " from the muzzle in the otherwise perfect bore. This would have been caused by careless cleaning when the cleaning rod was not pulled all of the way out of the muzzle. The pitting is far enough from the muzzle end to suggest that if you wanted to put this onto a firearms certificate it would not effect the accuracy as the bullet would have travelled 27" by that time. The cleaning rod is the original rod with a screwed end and the thread is clear and the rod locates perfectly. The rear ladder sight has the somewhat ambitous 1200 yards addition added to the top of the ladder which was done at the time the charge of the cartridge was increased and was a standard enhancement.
A handsome looking rifle that would be difficult to improve on.
Additional images available.

Code: 50184