RSAF Martini Henry Model IC1 Cavalry Carbine with South Australia Markings, Blue 21” — Single Shot Military Rifle, MFD 1877 Antique
Sold For : $1,885.00
LSB#: 160720JF05
Make: Martini Henry by Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield
Model: IC1 Cavalry Carbine (Interchangeable Cavalry Carbine)
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: 1877
Caliber: .577/450 Martini Henry
Action Type: Single shot, Drop Block, Lever Actuated
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The right side of the receiver is marked “crown (royal cypher) / V.R. (Victoria Regina) / ENFIELD (Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield) / 1877 (date of manufacture) / crown arrow (lock viewer’s mark) / I.C.1 (interchangeable carbine)” and “broad arrow / SA / 166” (South Australian markings). The left side of the receiver is marked with an inspector’s “crowned” mark and a “crown / VR / 2 flags / 2P” proof. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with a “crown / V.R. / 1. P.” proof, with two “crowned” inspection stamps, with a “crown / VR / 2 flags / 2P” proof and with an “arrow / WD” War Department Final View mark. The right side of the barrel shank is marked “D3” and with two “crowned” inspection stamps. The cleaning rod, the bottom of the nosecap, the front tang of the bottom metal, the bottom of the loading lever, and the top of the butt plate are each marked with a “crowned” inspection stamp and with an “arrow / WD” War Department Final View mark. The trigger guard, the trigger, the top of the rear sight and the wood below the loading lever are each marked with a “crowned” inspection stamp. The trigger guard, both buttplate screws and the bottom of the rear sight are each marked with a “broad arrow”. The bottom of the rear sight is also marked “9516”. The wood to the rear of the loading lever is marked with a faded stamping. The right side of the buttstock is marked with “two arrow heads that meet at the point” (a sold out of service marking) and with a Royal Manufactury (R.M.) Enfield roundel with a “1” (class 1 rifle mark) below it. The roundel contains “R crown M / War Department Broad Arrow / ENFIELD”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 21 1/4 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small inverted “V” post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is a “U” notched sight escalator when down. The right side of the rear sight base is marked “arrow / WD” and “100 200 300” 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 – 10”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, metal nosecap, two barrel bands, a metal buttplate and a metal insert under the butt to catch the end of the loading lever. The left side of the buttstock shows a small glued surface repair next to a through pin. The rear portion of the forearm shows scrapes and compression marks on both sides. The top of the butt shows a few scrapes. The wood shows various other scuffs and compression marks. The marks on the wood have been finished over. The buttplate shows scrapes, small scratches and spots of discoloration from oxidation. The LOP measures 14 1/2 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition as a refinished antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: The metal has been treated with a cold bluing agent.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is deep. There is some light frosting in the grooves near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish, as refinished. The metal has been treated with cold blue. Imperfections on the metal, such as scratches & light frosting, show through the new finish. The barrel, trigger guard and loading lever show some thinning, discoloration from oxidation and scrapes. The barrel also shows a few scratches. The screw heads show use. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as a refinished 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 Henry IC1 Cavalry Carbine was made by the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield back in 1877. It has tons of markings on the metal and wood which are in great shape; which is very surprising since this rifle is almost 140 years old. The rifle has South Australian markings on it, which adds to the historical value of the rifle. The metal and wood have been refinished nicely, keeping most of the markings intact. This is a Fine rifle for any collection. Here is some information on the IC1 Cavalry Carbine from The Martini Henry Society (http://www.martinihenry.org/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=62) :
“The experiments with a Martini Carbine began as early as February 1871, with a shortened rifle, after six trial models, on the 6th June 1876, a New pattern was offered and approved, built upon the receiver frame of a MkII rifle.
The Pattern¬ was sealed and introduced on the 24th Sept 1877. LOC 3215 as “As Arms Interchangeable, Carbine Breech loading Rifled, with clearing rod Martini Henry Mk1.” “Interchangeable” was to be used in the description, and the actions were marked I.C.1. Not only did it simplify production, the carbine could be made as basic arm, with uniformed manufacturing techniques, sharing common rifle and carbine component parts, but providing an arm which simply required a change of furniture to convert from Artillery to Cavalry”.
