Serial number locations on martini enfields

Hi. Ive come across a couple of martini enfields recently and am seriously considering buying one, but i dont understand the serial number locations

All of them have the rear sight numbered to the barrel, but all have different (read vic government) stampings on the buttstock and a different serial number. Is this normal for colonial martini enfields?

Also, were the breech blocks numbered as well?

I have wondered if the number on the buttstock is a rack number for the vic gov and not actually a production serial number

Thanks

Here is the link for the Martini Henry Society which has a wealth of interesting information and you may find helpful: http://www.martinihenry.org/index.php?route=common/home

ThankaF10, seen that one.

Does anyone have information on the numbers onthe australian martini henry / metford / enfield buttstocks are they inventory numbers or are they supposed to match the serial numbers on the barrel and action?

Did not Skennerton do a small S/C on the martinis in his small arms series I also seem to recall a larger H/C one as well but cannot remember the title

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Originally Posted by CINDERS

Did not Skennerton do a small S/C on the martinis in his small arms series I also seem to recall a larger H/C one as well but cannot remember the title

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I have it, i dont remember if it
covered serial number locations though

Helps if i read everytjing. Found what i needed in Skennertons SAIS book on martini's. There may be a plan afoot, and the wife non to happy about it. More info next week =D

I always said for a while "Gee wiz look what followed me home can I keep it!"

And that's generally when you get "the look" Cinders...

My wife is generally speaking supportive of my gun collecting, but it has to be accompanied with a sound reason!

I was blown out reasently when my case for another .22 failed the economic test!

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Originally Posted by BushyFromOz

ThankaF10, seen that one.

Does anyone have information on the numbers onthe australian martini henry / metford / enfield buttstocks are they inventory numbers or are they supposed to match the serial numbers on the barrel and action?

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I just bought a Martini Enfield in Australia and the dealer is using the butt disc number as the serial number - four digits, prefixed AGC, which I believe stands for Australian Commonwealth Government. The Real serial number should be on the front of the receiver under the forewood. I haven't been able to check mine as it's still going through the licencing process.

I believe the butt numbers are for inventory purposes.

From a British/Commonwealth perspective, I guess it was only when the first Metfords came along, with a possibility of mixing up bolts that serial numbers became far more important.

I would also guess (anyone confirm) that prior to this, with P53/56, Snider and Martini, Rifles remained within the issued regiment, so the butt disc was the primary identifying Mark.

Production serial number is on front of body concealed by fore end and on rear sight.

My oldest and most original Martini (a Mark I) has many matching numbers on a variety of parts, in addition to the barrel and front of the body. My Mk II and III don't and I've always wondered if they simply have had replacement parts added over their lives or if the numbering standards changed with time or from factory to factory. I have all the books (I think) and can't recall seeing any mention of the practices. Same with Sniders- I have some (particularly Enfield factory conversions) that have matching numbers on barrel, shoe, block, breech tang (plug), extractor, breech block locking pin, and rear sight leaf. Some of my Sniders lack stamps on some of these parts but, again, I have no idea if it relates to changing practices with time or at different factories or replacement of parts either during or post service. However, I think I can say with some certainty that either serial or assembly numbers were well in use by the start of Snider conversions (1866).

Ridolpho

It does seem that prior to the first Long Lees, the key identifier was the butt Roundel.

Serial numbers really do appear to be primarily assembly numbers for manufacturing proposes and documentation.