BSA & M Co/RSAF Martini-Enfield Mark I MKI .303 British Rifle, 1886 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1875
LSB#: 210721TS89
Make: Originally made by Birmingham Small Arms & Metals Co., converted by the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield
Model: Martini-Enfield Rifle Mark I, converted from Martini-Henry Mark III
Serial Number: There is no serial marking on the receiver, the barrel has serial number 7710.
Year of Manufacture: 1886, converted 1896
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Single shot, Drop Block, Lever Actuated
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked with crown over “V.R / B.S.A. & M Co / 1886”, crowned broad arrow and “III. / I”. The left of the receiver is marked with crown over “V.R / ENFIELD / 1896”, crowned broad arrow and “M.E. 303. / 1”. There are a series of British proof marks on the barrel, receiver, barrel bands, trigger guard and lever. The right of the knox is marked “7710 / C”, the left is marked “C A 1023. 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 which is un-marked. The right of the buttstock has an Enfield cartouche over “I. / 1”, opposing broad-arrow marks and a series of markings which have been struck out.
Barrel Length: Approximately 30 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade 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 “WD” and “200 300 400 500” 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 “6– 17”. 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, one with stacking swivel and one with sling swivel, wood handguard between the rear sight and receiver, a metal buttplate, sling swivel in the belly, and a metal insert to catch the end of the lever. The stocks have some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The forend has a slot for a cleaning rod, but none is included. There is a small loss at the toe. There is some discoloration from age and oil. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a moderate-dark patina with wear at the heel and some scattered solid erosion. The stock’s markings are generally clear, the struck out markings are fairly crisp. The stock rates in Very Good-plus overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, likely arsenal refurbished.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The rifle shows fairly evenly distributed wear, discoloration and some surface erosion. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. There are tool marks around most screw heads. The screw heads show use with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good-Fine 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: None.
Our Assessment: This beautiful Martini Enfield Rifle MK I was originally made as a Martini-Henry Mark III by the Birmingham Small Arms & Metals Co. back in 1886, it was converted to its current configuration by the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield, which conversion consisted primarily of getting rid of its Henry rifled .455 caliber barrel and replacing it with a .303 Enfield rifled barrel. It has tons of markings on the metal and wood which are in great shape; which is very surprising since this rifle is 135 years old. This is one of the last Martini pattern rifles to serve the British Empire and will add nicely to a British arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!