1st Royal Scots Martini Henry?

[Anzac15]

This is a Martini Henry I bought from Atlanta Cutlery, came from the Nepalese cache. Enfield manufacture, was a MkI, converted to MkII. Made in 1878, still retains the checkered buttstock. I have found what I believe to be the original regimental markings on it, and from what I can gather, it appears to have been a rifle that was used by the 1st Royal Scots. I have included several pics of the markings, and at first glance it may look like 1/23, but when you get it under a loop, you can see it says 1/RS. 1st Royal Scots? Also, there is another set of marking toward the rear of the stock, these appear also to be 1 RS, then below this, the number 225. Rack number? These markings are very worn, but I was hoping someone out there might own a MH with markings similar to these, and might have some insight. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!

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[Anzac15]

Here are the pics...

[Patrick Chadwick]

It is, of course, notoriously difficult to interpret old markings on wood from a photograph. However, you have made excellent photos, and I think the 1/?? marking is 1/? B. The right-hand loops show no sign of a curve on the left side, but run out into straight lines. The bottom loop is somewhat larger than the top loop. The left-hand vertical stroke can be distinguished, as it runs at a slightly different angle to the wood grain, AND is perfectly parallel to the vertical stroke of the (presumed) 1.

For my money: not S, not 3, but B.


Patrick

[Anzac15]

And of course you may be correct. I have looked at the markings so many times Ive begun to hallucinate. At first I swore they were all numbers, then a couple other things, but I have to say, when you get it under a loop, in the right light, you can juuust make out the S. But you can bet Im going to go back and look, and I'll bet I'll see a B this time! Ive also got a MkIV with VERY crisp Allabad and Enfield roundels. Plain as day, though still somewhat worn, is 21P. 21st Punjabis? Hmmm....

[Anzac15]

Patrick, you are the man...it is a B, and I managed to find a rifle online almost identical to mine, markings and all. The mystery markings are the 1st Battalion the Rifle Brigade! Mine even has the plugged sling swivel at the bottom of the buttstock (always wondered what that was). Really exciting stuff, now to get some info on this regiment. Thanks for having better eyes than me!