Custom BSA Martini Cadet .218 Mashburn Bee 22” Falling Block Rifle, Scope
SOLD FOR: $1,200.00
LSB#: LSB260228BA012
Make: B.S.A. Co., Contracted for the Commonwealth of Australia
Model: Martini Cadet
Serial Number: 26F01
Year of Manufacture: 1900s / ATF Modern Due To Sporterization
Caliber: .218 Mashburn Bee
Action Type: Martini Falling block, Single Shot, Lever break Rifle
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel has two scope bases with a Bushnell 6-18×40 scope mounted to it. The scope is in Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle has a two-piece walnut stock set with a wide forend, semi-pistol grip, raised roll-over comb w/ cheekpiece, and rubber buttpad. The stock has an added spacer. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in about Very Good + overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and well defined. There is moderate erosion and spots of pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and handling marks throughout. The action has faint wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The pins are undamaged. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
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: The BSA Martini Cadet rifle began life as a compact military training rifle produced by the Birmingham Small Arms Company for Commonwealth use during the early 20th century. Built around the strong and compact Martini falling block action, these rifles later became highly popular foundations for custom sporting and varmint rifles due to their smooth operation, inherent strength, and adaptable design. Many were converted into specialized sporting calibers during the mid-20th century by gunsmiths seeking lightweight and accurate single-shot platforms. Chambered in .218 Mashburn Bee, a high-performance wildcat cartridge developed from the .218 Bee, this rifle reflects that tradition of custom small-caliber sporting conversions focused on velocity and precision. This example presents as a thoughtfully configured custom sporting rifle, retaining approximately 98% of its refinished metal surfaces with only light handling wear visible throughout. The bore remains serviceable with strong rifling and a generally bright appearance despite visible erosion and scattered pitting, consistent with its 8.5 out of 10 rating. The walnut stock set features classic sporting contours including a rollover cheekpiece, semi-pistol grip, and wide forend, while remaining in very good condition overall with only light handling wear present. The mounted Bushnell 6-18×40 scope complements the rifle’s intended role as a precision small-caliber sporting arm.
Altogether, this custom Martini Cadet represents a classic example of the post-surplus sporting rifle tradition built around the respected BSA falling block action. Its lightweight profile, custom chambering, and period sporting configuration reflect the enduring popularity of Martini Cadet conversions among shooters and gunsmiths alike. The rifle stands as an interesting blend of Commonwealth military heritage and mid-century custom sporting rifle craftsmanship. -R.E.