-
Legacy Member
$30 Estate Sale Martini.... Odd Markings
Hello,
I picked up a Martini for $30 from an estate sale this past weekend, after looking up the markings I can say only a few really match up and it appears that it is missing a lot of markings that others have.
The rifle is sadly pretty rusty and I am hesitant to clean it up.
I can tell that the rifle appears to be a Mk.3.
Markings:
Right side of receiver (top to bottom):
Crown
V o R
ENFIELD
1878
Small Crown arrow pointing down
III
Left side of receiver (top to bottom):
Small Crown arrow pointing down
E
Small Crown arrow pointing down
V o R
Top of Barrel:
315
Right Side of Barrel:
X-ish style mark
Left Side of Barrel (top to bottom):
Small Crown arrow pointing down
E
Small Crown arrow pointing down
V o R
Sight Left Side (top to bottom):
E
E mirrored
E
8
Sight Right Side (top to bottom):
III
H I think?
3
E
E I think?
Lever (trigger to stock):
Small Crown arrow pointing down
Square with a + in the center I think?
22 upside down
Stock:
Two identical circular stamps
ENFIELD 1878 outer ring
Small Crown arrow pointing down and V o R inner ring
Any help identifying what this is would be a great help and thank you in advance!!!
https://imgur.com/a/rahwjTi
Information
|
Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current. |
|
-
-
04-19-2021 10:00 PM
# ADS
Friends and Sponsors
-
Legacy Member
dxves, What a find-- $30! Are you familiar with the electrolysis method of rust removal? This looks like a prime candidate for using it. There are several threads on this forum on how to proceed. Use the search in the upper right corner to find (v bulletin search). Salt flat
Last edited by Salt Flat; 04-20-2021 at 01:29 PM.
-
-
-
Legacy Member
Also check out the british militaria forums. The cover martinis and varients, at length. Check out "Anvil" videos on youtube. The gunsmith deals with rust in a couple vids by rust bluing, the old fashioned way.
-
-
Legacy Member
That rear-sight leaf tells you everything! You have a Khyber Pass gem. (Not British Made)!
For $30 you have a great conversation piece.
It is Decorator Only/Never To Be Fired, but, fascinating as can be. Go easy on the cleaning, the patina will be part of its charm.
I would recommend #0000 steel wool saturated with mineral spirits followed by Hoppe's #9 on the metal. Go lightly and know when to stop.
Rub down wood with cotton rags damp with 50/50 mix of linseed oil and turpentine. Finish with rubs of Howard's "Feed & Wax".
Just go for stabilization and character.
You have an interesting handmade fake of a British Military Arm.
(Dispose of rags properly to avoid spontaneous combustion).
Last edited by butlersrangers; 04-24-2021 at 03:27 PM.
-
The Following 3 Members Say Thank You to butlersrangers For This Useful Post:
-
Contributing Member
I thought things looked good until I saw the rear sight. I'm no expert on British markings but they are way off. It is possible it's an original rifle with hand made replacement parts.
-
-
Legacy Member
A close scrutiny of most of the wood and metal stamps will reveal things to be unevenly spaced and off-center.
Individual letter, punctuation & symbol stamps were used to mimic complicated stamps, like the double (?) stock 'rondel'. (Hey, if one is good .... two is so much better)!
I have to admire the artistry.
Last edited by butlersrangers; 06-02-2021 at 03:44 PM.
-
-
Advisory Panel
It still stuns me how they do work like that with a four inch vise held between their heels of their bare feet while working with two hands...on a dirt floor. And they turn out a simile of a service rifle...
-
The Following 2 Members Say Thank You to browningautorifle For This Useful Post:
-
Contributing Member
Cool find for 30 bucks.
Interesting wall hanger.
-