Quote Originally Posted by Huttles94 View Post
I have also found what the X view marks meant.

Apparently my Snider was built by the London Small Arms company. Again, apparently not a lot were made by them so thats kind of neat. The lock is a Enfield lock though. So must have been replaced at some point. I cant see a date marking on the barrel, though after cleaning there is pitting but not as much as I have on my other rifles.

I have also cleaned up under the breech and the marking are more clear now. I think the serial number is either 0290 or O290. Also got M16 markings as well?

https://imgur.com/gallery/HNbomTN
The London Small Arms Company was not a government contractor, but WAS a gunmaker specialising in shooting irons for members of the Volunteer Corps, a body of militias set up in the late 1850's to confront the rising threat from France. In spite of being allies in the recent Crimean War, Louis Napoleon was sabre-rattling in all directions, and in particular the ancient enemy across the English channel. Your rifle, made without a bayonet, was intended for the Volunteer Rifle Match at Wimbledon which does not require the use of a bayonet. Think of it as the Civilian Service Rifle Match of the day. It would have cost a deal of money, too, in its original form, and one can only wonder what has happened to it it interim.