Martini Henry Mk I

I was fortunate recently to acquire a Canadian issue Martini Mk I at an auction. Most of the Mk I's went to Canada, presumably because of the issues with the Sniders and the Fenian threat. Regardless, they pop up from time to time but are sometimes rather beat up. This one is in nice condition, although it is missing its cleaning rod--good luck finding one of those original "tulip head" ones to replace it! It retains its chequered buttplate, brass hinge pin, etc, and by the stamps on the stock would have been issued I think to the Royal Military College. I haven't examined the bore yet because it and the action are full of grease, so I have to get some time to clean it out. The only problem I can find with it is a linear crack on the top of the buttstock leading away from the buttplate, presumably from the top buttplate screw. I have a couple of other Canadian Martinis, the later marks, issued to British Columbia regiments, but this is a nice example of a Mk I.

Cheers

Ed

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Congratulations, nice example! Have you checked the barrel 'date', yet? Very neat markings. A modified Mark1 rod from the Nepal Cache may be your best option.

Can you confirm the date as 1873 and not 1878 as I originally thought when seeing the picture, please? 1873 would be correct for a MK1, I believe.

Yes, it is a 3, not an 8! The photo is a little fuzzy as I had to use my phone, but it can still be made out easily enough when seen in person. 1878 would be too late for a Mk I and would not then be stamped as such.

Ed

Nice rifle congratulations

You are quite fortunate in getting that Martini Henry, congratulations.

boltaction: If you have it apart be sure to have a close look at the Mk I trigger mechanism with tumbler rest- quite interesting. I've been told that they are OK for target shooting but gave problems with heavy use and dirt. I'd also be curious to hear what parts you find to be serial numbered. My own Mk I has numbers on barrel, action body, block,triggerguard, lever, and rear sight. My barrel is dated '74 although the stamp on the body is '73.

Ridolpho