Tac,
Thanks for the interest and you're probably right; a picture can be better than a thousand words !
The Snider is a cavalry carbine fitted with a saddle bar and ring on the left side of the action. It has the name 'V&R Blakemore' on the lock in front of the hammer and a crown to the rear of the hammer. Stamped under the barrel/action are the letters 'WHB' and each action part is stamped with a 'W'. Numerous stamps and marks on the barrel including '25' which I believe stands for 25 bore which is .577. There are no unit/regimental/military marks on the brass butt plate.
My limited research into V&R Blakemore appears to show that they procured military equipment particularly for South African Police/mounted militia etc rather than being actual manufacturers of weapons. Open to discussion on that ! The action, I believe, is a Mk3 with the locking latch on the opening breech. I believe the Mk 3 's were manufactured as new firearms rather than converted from the Enfield muzzle loaders.
My Snider carbine is in very, very nice working condition. The stock shows sign of use but is not unduly bruised or dented/dinged and has a nice 140 year + patina. The metal work is generally rust free and unmarked except for the lock which has sometime in its life suffered from surface rust and is therefore a little pitted, not horrendously so; adds character ! The action is good and tight and everything works as it should. The barrel is good and straight with a clean bore with clean five groove rifling.
I am a FAC holder but don't intend to shoot the Snider just accept it for what it is, a lovely piece of polished wood and machined metal manufactured in a bygone era and wonder at the stories it could tell !
The request for brass cases is to display with the carbine; a case or two complete with a Minie bullet would brilliant, nod, nod, wink, wink.
Hope I haven't gone on too much ?
Barrie