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Thread: $30 Estate Sale Martini.... Odd Markings

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  1. #1
    Legacy Member dxves's Avatar
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    $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
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    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Legacy Member Salt Flat's Avatar
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    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.

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    Legacy Member jamie5070's Avatar
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    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.

  6. #4
    Legacy Member butlersrangers's Avatar
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    That rear-sight leaf tells you everything! You have a Khyber Pass gem. (Not Britishicon 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 oilicon 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.

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    Contributing Member Aragorn243's Avatar
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    I thought things looked good until I saw the rear sight. I'm no expert on Britishicon markings but they are way off. It is possible it's an original rifle with hand made replacement parts.

  9. #6
    Legacy Member butlersrangers's Avatar
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    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.

  10. #7
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    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...
    Regards, Jim

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  12. #8
    Contributing Member Ax.303's Avatar
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    Cool find for 30 bucks.

    Interesting wall hanger.

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