British Snider Mk. III Rifle by Enfield - British Indian Army Marked

Serial #5213, .577 Snider, 36 1/2" barrel with a fine, bright bore that has some traces of freckling within the grooves at the muzzle.  This rifle has an 1871-dated, "ENFIELD," and "(Crown) / VR" cypher lock with the metal having an overall mottled pewter gray patina with patches of darker surface freckling scattered throughout, most noticeably on the lockplate.  Some thin pinprick pitting is present on the hammer as well.  The walnut stock has numerous small handling marks and surface blemishes scattered throughout the thick added oil finish, with a still visible 1881-dated "ARSENAL / FORT WILLIAM / 2" stamp on the right side of the buttstock.  Fort William was originally an East India Company fort in Calcutta, Bengal, India, where the Indian Ordnance Factory was established in 1775.  The brass fittings have developed a mellow ochre patina over time with numerous small handling marks and scratches on the buttplate.  The rifle comes with an original iron cleaning rod, and has a modern white leather sling installed.  Also included is a modern machined brass firing pin protector attached to the trigger guard by a short chain.  This is a good looking late production Snider, with an interesting British Raj era markings, and is in very good plus condition overall.  Antique