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SOLD SOLD (23/06) Martini Henry Mark I Cavalry Carbine, 1877 Dated 577x 450 Obsolete Calibre, Made as a Carbine in the First Year of Production for the South Australia Government Contract. Sn 23519 - 23519 The Martini Henry cavalry carbine was developed to replace the Snider cavalry carbine and was first manufactured as a new weapon in 1877 after a trials period. This is a very original first year of production specifically for the South Australian government contract, Martini Henry cavalry carbine mark IC I. The right hand side of receiver is crisply stamped with the queens crown VR (Victoria Regina) ENFIELD 1877 and an inspection stamp over ICI (mark I carbine) and near the barrel S /I\ A 125 (South Australia government contract, gun number 125). The left hand side of the action and barrel carry crisp Enfield proof and inspection marks. Most of the parts of the carbine are stamped with Enfield inspection stamps including the action trigger, trigger guard, operating lever and butt plate. The carbine retained the clip on mark III fore end of the Martini Henry rifle and had a special round head clearing rod fitted which engaged on the front of the fore end. The carbine was fitted with a 1000 yard rear sight and a barleycorn foresight with protective wings. The right hand side of the butt is nicely stamped with the R M /I\ WD ENFIELD roundel over I (Class I weapon) and has the correct small cocking indicator. In 1879 a rear sight leather cover was introduced and was held in position by 2 round headed screws under the rear sight on the fore end. This carbine pre dates this modification and was not fitted with the screws. The wood work is in good condition with only the minor bumps and knocks with service. The barrel has well defined rifling with minor staining and residue due to use. See section D, Martini arms, RB 100 on page 19 of the Catalogue of the Enfield Pattern Room, British Rifles, published by Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, chapter 8 together pages 91 to 94 with the plate on page 94 in The Martini-Henry for Queen and Empire by Neil Aspinshaw and page 107 in Australian Service Longarms by Ian D Skennerton. NB As an antique obsolete calibre carbine under section 58(2) weapon, no licence is required to possess if retained as a part of a collection or display. An inert 577 x 450 round is included; no licence is required to possess in the U.K. as part of a collection or display. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 23519 £0.00
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