Enfield Martini Artillery Carbine MKII ACII .303 British Rifle 1881 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1000
LSB#: 220316CA139
Make: Enfield
Model: Martini Enfield Artillery Carbine II, Converted from Interchangeable Carbine Mark I
Serial Number: 2033
Year of Manufacture: 1881, Converted 1898
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Lever Operated Single Shot Falling Block Rifle
Markings: The right of the receiver is marked with crowned “VR”, “ENFIELD / 1881 / I.C.1.”, the left has a crowned “VR” “ENFIELD / 1898 / M.E. 303 / A.C.II.”. There are British proof marks on the knoxform and sides of the barrel, the bottom-front of the receiver, the trigger guard and the lever. The right of the barrel is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 21”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade mounted to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight presenting a “V”-notch when folded down with a “V”-notch on the slider. The slider is a little loose to the ladder at the bottom but fits tighter at the top.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth wood. The forend has a nosecap with integral bayonet lug and sling swivel. The buttstock has a sling swivel in the belly and a smooth steel buttplate. There is provision for a sling swivel in the front of the trigger guard, but none is present. There is an inlet on the right of the buttstock near the toe for a marking disc which is not present. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are long grain-line cracks in the sides of the forend toward the front and losses at the top edges to each side of the knox. The buttstock has a patch-repair at the top-front of the wrist and a piece has been added, likely as a repair, at the rear. The wood shows signs of sanding, generally shy to the metal. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has been refinished, retaining much of its new blue finish with wear at the heel and toe and some light erosion under the finish. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its current metal finish. There is some scattered light wear, most of which has discolored with oxidation and blends well with the finish in most lighting. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most under the finish and some minor erosion under the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a cocking indicator on the right receiver flat. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This beautiful Martini Enfield Artillery Carbine MK II was originally made as an Interchangeable Carbine Mark I by the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield back in 1881. It was converted to an Artillery Carbine Mark II in 1898, ironically also by RSAF Enfield. It is in pretty good shape for a 140 year old rifle with a quite good bore given its age. The carbine has been refinished and repaired since it was first converted, but still retains strong mechanics and most of its markings. It will add nicely to a British arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!