Martini Henry l/ll Markings

[rescuerandy2]

Good Morning. Looking to purchase a Mark l/ll M-H but am not sure about the markings. I own a Mark i/ll and on my rifle, along with many for sale online, most have their other "l" added next to the original "l" not the overstriking on this M-H. Also not sure of the markings that seem to include a 5 and a 2? Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Randy.


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[Flying10uk]

In my opinion it is just the way that the person who originally did the re-stamping of the rifle, after it was brought up to MK2 spec, made a bit of a mess of the job. This is easy to do when hand stamping letters or numbers onto metal. Perhaps the 52 is a rack number/armoury number?

[rescuerandy2]

Agreed. I wonder how many pints the gentlemen had before his shift. Thanks, Randy.

[Flying10uk]

If you are interested in buying this gun with the intention of shooting it I would recommend asking if you could inspect the barrel with the fore-end woodwork removed. I own a MK2 Martini which I have as a collector's item and it hasn't been shot for many years. If you look at the bore it looks reasonably good but if you remove the fore-end woodwork the barrel is dangerously corroded. This isn't a problem for me as I have no intention of ever shooting it but it would, in my opinion, be highly dangerous if any-one ever did.

[rescuerandy2]

Roger that! I only buy what I can shoot. If I go for this rifle, I will check that spot. Thanks, Randy.