C.G. Bonehill Martini-Henry .22LR Conv. 30.25” Falling Block Rifle, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,050.00
LSB#: LSB251029CD003
Make: Enfield, Reworked by C.G. Bonehill
Model: Martini-Henry .22RF Conversion
Serial Number: 17160
Year of Manufacture: 1871 – 1889 (Reworked Post 1905) / Antique
Caliber: .22LR
Action Type: Falling block, Single Shot, Lever Break Rifle
Markings: The barrel is marked, “C.G. BONEHILL / AMMUNITION .22 17160 GUARANTEED BRITISH” with several British proofs. The front of the bore is marked, “PARKER RIFLED ACP”. There are several military proofs on the receiver and stock parts.
Barrel Length: 30.25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Parker-Hale model 2 globe sight dovetailed to the barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a folding military ladder sight. The slider is missing. The rear of the receiver has a Parker-Hale model 15 fixed peep sight dovetailed to the rear of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood stock set with a forend cap, channel for cleaning rod, barrel band w/ bayonet lug and sling loop, barrel band, Parker-Hale brass sight holder, straight wrist & lever catch, straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout along with a few small chips. The belly of the stock has two plugged/repaired holes. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good + overall condition as a refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10. The bore has been sleeved.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is faint handling wear throughout. There are heavy refinished pitting marks throughout, especially on the barrel/barrel bands. The action has light wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp with some damaged ones. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine + condition as an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 C.G. Bonehill–converted Martini-Henry represents a fascinating intersection of Victorian military arms and early 20th century British target rifle culture. Originally manufactured as a .577/450 Martini-Henry during the late 19th century and converted to a .303 British, this rifle was later professionally reworked by C.G. Bonehill into a .22 rimfire training and club rifle, a common and respected practice in Britain following the decline of black powder service arms. These conversions allowed surplus military actions to remain relevant for marksmanship training, small-bore competition, and indoor range use, while preserving the unmistakable profile and mechanical strength of the Martini action. The long 30.25-inch barrel, Parker-rifled and sleeved for .22LR, reflects the era’s emphasis on sight radius and deliberate precision shooting. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, this example benefits from an exceptionally strong bore, rating 9.5 out of 10, with bright surfaces, sharp rifling, and only faint erosion noted. The metal finish remains very strong overall, retaining approximately 98 percent of its finish, with refinished pitting visible throughout the barrel and bands that speaks to the rifle’s long service life. The action shows only light wear and functions correctly, underscoring the enduring durability of the Martini falling block design even after more than a century of use and modification.
The stock presents particularly well for an antique conversion, showing only light handling marks, pressure dents, and small chips, with two professionally repaired holes along the belly that are typical of rifles adapted for target use. The inclusion of quality period sighting equipment, including Parker-Hale globe and receiver-mounted peep sights, further reinforces the rifle’s intended role as a serious training or club arm rather than a novelty conversion. Overall condition rates Fine Plus for an antique, making this Bonehill-converted Martini-Henry an excellent representative of Britain’s tradition of repurposing military rifles into precision small-bore arms, and a compelling piece for collectors of both Victorian military history and classic British target rifles. -R.E.
