RSAF Enfield HRB Martini-Metford .303 Cavalry Carbine MK I MKI 1888 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1206.11

LSB#: 210721TS03

Make: Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield, converted by the Henry Rifled Barrel Company (HRB Co.)

Model: Martini-Metford Cavalry Carbine MK I, converted from IC1 Cavalry Carbine (Interchangeable Cavalry Carbine)

Serial Number: L710

Year of Manufacture: 1888, converted 1892

Caliber: .303 Metford (.303 British)

Action Type: Single shot, Drop Block, Lever Actuated

Markings: There is no visible import mark. The right side of the receiver is marked with crown over “V.R / ENFIELD / 1888”, crowned broad arrow and “I.C.1.”. The left of the receiver is marked with crown over “V.R / H.R.B.Co / 1892”, crowned broad arrow and “M.M. 303. / 1 *”. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked “L710”. There are a series of British proof marks on the barrel, receiver, barrel bands, nosecap, trigger guard and lever. The marks on the top of the knoxform have mostly been crossed out. The top of the chamber ring is marked “S-X.”. The left of the barrel and receiver have opposing broad-arrow marks. There is a brass disk in the right of the buttstock near the toe marked “NSRB / 234”. The right of the buttstock has faded markings including a circular cartouche.

Barrel Length: Approximately 21 1/4 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade between protective ears integral to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notched sight escalator when down. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “arrow / WD” and “200 300 400” for use with the escalator. When flipped up it becomes a sight ladder that uses a separate sliding “V” notched blade. The ladder is marked from “4 – 15”. There is a very small notch at the top of the ladder.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, metal nosecap, two barrel bands, studs on each side below the rear sight, a metal buttplate and a metal insert to catch the end of the lever. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is a repaired chip-loss at the toe and a crack on the right of the buttstock above the repair. There is a smaller crack in the top of the wrist and there is a filled hole in the left of the wrist. The forend has a loss at the top edge toward the rear. The LOP measures 14 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered nicks, dings and scratches with some discoloration from oxidation and erosion around the edges. The stock rates in about Good-plus overall condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished, likely arsenal refurbished.

Bore Condition: The lands are semi-bright, the grooves are gray. The Metford-style rifling is well defined. There is scattered light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is mostly in protected areas such as around the sights and other projections such as the cocking indicator on the right of the receiver. Other surfaces mostly have gone to a mottled light patina with edges worn to white. There are several scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. Around the edges there is residue from the new finish applied to the stocks. The action shows operational wear. There are tool marks around most screw heads. The screw heads show use with serviceable slots. Most of the markings in the metal are deep, the markings in the wood are worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition as converted and Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A cleaning rod is included, stored in the stock under the barrel.

Our Assessment: This beautiful Martini Metford Cavalry Carbine MK I was originally made as an IC1 Cavalry Carbine by the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield back in 1888. Ironically, it was converted to its current configuration by the Henry Rifled Barrel Co., which conversion consisted primarily of getting rid of its Henry rifled .455 caliber barrel and replacing it with a .303 Metford rifled barrel. It has tons of markings on the metal which are in great shape; which is very surprising since this rifle is almost 140 years old. Its forend has the distinctive studs which were installed for a leather sight cover to prevent the rear sight from catching on the “saddle bucket” (scabbard), though this rifle does not include one of the sight covers. This is one of the last Martini pattern rifles to serve the British Empire and one of the more desirable configurations. It will add nicely to a British arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!