Opinions needed on Martini Henry Rifle

[peterwyndavies]

I would be grateful for opinions on this Martini Henry rifle that I have just acquired. I do not know a great deal about firearms, but it seems rather short when compared with rifles in general. I attach some pics.
Thanks,
Peter.

[peterwyndavies]

Some more pics.

[peterwyndavies]

Couple more pics.

[peterwyndavies]

Two more pics.

[peterwyndavies]

one more pic.

[paul kennedy]

Rifle

It looks like a Martini Henry Artillery Carbine Mark II issued to the Royal Irish Constabulary. However, it has been modified by removing the cocking indicator. So probably a later issue than 1893-96.

[paul kennedy]

Markings

Also, the markings on the metal and wood that look like 2 broad arrows pointing at each other, are sold out of service markings. These models started out as full size rifles. this one was manufactured in 1876. I'm sure it had an interesting history. Nice carbine.

[peterwyndavies]

Thanks Paul,
So it was originally used by the British army as a rifle, then modified to make it into a carbine and sold to the Irish constabulary. I know next to nothing about these so I'm not sure what you mean about the cocking indicator.
Thanks,
Peter.

[Gary Jucha]

Try

Peter, check out this website .. useful info here ..



http://www.martinihenry.com/

[paul kennedy]

Martini Henry

Peter,
Ireland was part of the British Empire at the time, so I'd say it was issued to the R.I.C. before being sold out of service.

The cocking indicator looks like a large metal teardrop right behind the trigger on a standard Martini-Henry rifle.

[Seigfried]

Given it's age I think that is has been reblued or parkerised - the finish looks brand new. Nothing else wrong as far as I can see - it is certainly not a 'Khyber Pass' copy. Made by the Birmingham Small Arms Company.

[peterwyndavies]

Thanks Paul, Siegfried and Gary. I will check out your link Gary.
Thanks,
Peter.

[Seigfried]

So it was originally used by the British army as a rifle, then modified to make it into a carbine

No - they made shortened versions of the MH rifle for the cavalry and artillery for easier use.

[peterwyndavies]

Thanks Seigfreid,
I thought that these shortened versions were called carbines and according to my information, which may or may not be correct, they did not begin production of these untill 1877, when the Mark I carbine was produced. Since this is dated 1876, then I would have thought that it was manufactured originally as a rifle.
Thanks,
Peter.

[Seigfried]

Thanks Seigfreid,
I thought that these shortened versions were called carbines and according to my information, which may or may not be correct, they did not begin production of these untill 1877, when the Mark I carbine was produced. Since this is dated 1876, then I would have thought that it was manufactured originally as a rifle

You are correct Peter that these carbines were not produced until 1877, but I believe that - as the working parts are the same - that old rifle breeches etc would have been used up when the first carbines were assembled.
Also, note the 'II' underneath the crown/arrow on the RHS of the breech, the 'II' should be central, but in your case it is slightly off centre to the right, indicating a Mark I which was later modified into a Mark II (the extra 'I' being stamped next to the original 'I'.