Turkish Citadel 1905 Converted Enfield Martini Henry Rifle In .303, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
WOA#: WY240517EG015
Make: Enfield, Converted by Citadel, Ottoman Empire
Model: Carbine
Serial Number: 1771
Year of Manufacture: 1871 to 1889
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Martini Henry Action
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked, “V.R. ENFIELD” with a crown. The left side is marked, “CITADEL / 1905” The underside of the forend is marked, “1771” The barrel shank is marked, “E.EP / CAL 303” There are worn off markings. There are several turkish proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 20.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade with protective wings fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood with a steel forend cap with cleaning rod hole, straight wrist, straight stock, with steel buttplate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There is a hole for a sling stud. The stock is loose. There is a crack in the stock. The LOP measures 14.5” from the front trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is semi-sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10 for Antique
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its metal finish. There is light patina over the metal. There is impact marks throughout the rifle, the action is marred. There are light rust spots throughout. The screw heads are tooled. The markings are worn and blurry. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition for 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 all your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Turkish Citadel 1905 Converted Enfield Martini Henry Rifle is a unique firearm that showcases a blend of British and Ottoman military influences. Originally based on the British Martini-Henry rifle, a single-shot, lever-action rifle adopted by the British Army in the late 19th century, this particular model underwent a series of conversions and modifications under the direction of the Ottoman Empire. The original Martini-Henry rifles were chambered in the .577/450 Martini-Henry cartridge, but during the conversion process, these rifles were rechambered to accommodate the .303 British cartridge. This modification aligned with the Ottoman Empire’s efforts to modernize its military arsenal, particularly in response to the widespread adoption of the .303 British round by European powers. The conversion involved re-barreling the rifle to the smaller .303 caliber, as well as modifying the breech block and extractor to handle the new cartridge dimensions. The Citadel 1905 Martini Henry retains the distinctive lever-action mechanism of the original design. This action operates by lowering a lever to drop the breechblock, which allows for the insertion of a single cartridge into the chamber. Upon closing the lever, the breechblock rises and locks in place, readying the rifle for firing. This system was known for its reliability and robustness, albeit limited by its single-shot capacity compared to later magazine-fed rifles.
This rifle is a fascinating piece of military history, representing a period of significant transition and modernization for the Ottoman armed forces. The conversion of these rifles to the .303 British cartridge reflects broader global trends in military technology and the influence of European colonial powers on the Ottoman Empire. Today, the Turkish Citadel 1905 Martini Henry Rifle is a sought-after collector’s item, prized for its historical significance and the unique blend of British and Ottoman military heritage it embodies. The rifle stands as a testament to the complex and often tumultuous history of the late Ottoman period and its military evolution. -R.E.
