Serendipity! This little BSA Martini came up for sale nearby. Yesterday I met the very spry 90 year old rifle shooter who decided he preferred his Winchester Model 52 and the BSA was surplus to his needs.
Thanks to the excellent site ( rifleman.org.uk ) I think mine dates from late 1930's. (I need a better glass to make out the Birmingham proof date) The serial number is 53901. Stamped "Superior Nickel Steel," the barrel is marked:
Made By
The Birmingham Small Arms Co Ltd
England
Cartridge 220 Long rifle
The rear sight is a Parker Hale 7A while the tunnel front sight is marked A.G.P. 22. The scope is a Litschert 20X, likely from the late 40's. The hooked non adjustable buttplate and handstop suggest a serious shooter's custom touches.
The "Phoenix" stamp on the muzzle indicates the barrel was relined at some point by Phoenix Rifle Repair Co - Birmingham, England.
An interesting rifle from a time when an Englishman could enjoy rifle marksmanship without his fellows viewing it as aberrant behavior...and it does shoot!!!
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