TOPIC:

Hello, Im a new member, and just discovered your site. Ive only recently started learning about Victorian Empire history. I am a moderator on the British Military Forum site, so have a lot of interest in British small arms pre 1900. I live in Maine (US). I found AngloBoerWar,com as I was google searching for the 'Queenstown Volunteer Rifles', a NZ regiment that was active and honored during the war. I just got a Long Lee Rifle that is marked to the QVR, and wanted to find out more about their history. Anyway wanted to introduce myself Johnny

Hello Jonny,

Welcome to the site and thank you for introducing yourself.

It is interesting what you say about the QVR. I initially though you meant the South African unit, the QRV.

The NZ men were composed into Contingents but I am sure some would have come from the Queenstown area.

What do you know of the QVR?

Regards
David

Welcome Johnny.....

I am sure that you will find a lot of information on this site.....

Mike

Could it be Queensland Volunteer Rifles - an Australian unit? Or alternatively, the South African QRV were also known as the QVR to its members. Are there any other marks on the rifle?

Best,

Justin

Thank you for your welcome and responses gentlemen. My understanding of these markings has been evolving as Ive asked questions and learned more. Im now thinking South African more than New Zealand.
Justin, Here is a list of the markings:
On Top of Receiver: opposed broad arrows (sold out of service) C^G (Cape Government ?)
On Top of Brass Butt-Plate: EFD (rough stamp) over Q.T.V. over 91
On right Butt-stock: round RM ENFIELD over I over 1 (Cartouche), 10/99 (date stamp for
October 1899), QRV over 242
On Right Receiver Side: Crown VR over ENFIELD over 1898 over LE over 1
My friends on the British Militaria Forum Think the receiver marking is for Cape Government, and the QRV is Queenstown Rifle Volenteers. We know the 10/99 stamp is the date (from our experience with our Snider and Martini Henry rifles) The ENFIELD Cartouche and receiver stampings are standard for any WD or ordinance accepted rifle of the era. The numbers 91 and 242 are very likely two different issue numbers to an individual soldier.
Im not positive about the QRV stamp, and have no clue about the Q.T.V. stamp. It is a guess that the EFD rough stamping may be a receiving storekeepers or ordinance marking upon issue to the Q.T.V.(?)
So thats my story. Would appreciate any thoughts. Thank you, Johnny