Martini-Henry Bonehill Trainer Conversion…(F 915) SOLD

Superb example of the Martini-Henry Bonehill Trainee Rifle Conversion

A particularly pleasing looking example of a converted .303 Military rifle in standard specification. Markings on the RHS of the action denote the specification of the donor rifle.  These rifles were selected when the military originally considered them obsolete with the arrival of the Lee Metford and Enfield era.  The markings read as follows: ” Royal cypher crown /  V.R  /  B.S.A.& M.Co’ / 1888 / Crown arrow inspectors mark / II.”  The cocking indicator is on the same side.

Machined thumb indent on rear top of action behind falling block. The original receiver is marked “S.X” for strengthened extractor along with other inspectors markings .  The LHS of the action is marked as follows; “CONVERTED BY BY C.G.BONEHILL OF BIRMINHAM /  FOR THE SOCIETY OF MINIATURE RIFLE CLUBS”  The rifle has its original short underlever and serrated trigger.  The underlever has clear Enfield inspection marks. Rear sling swivel is attached to front of trigger guard.  Genuine issue period leather military sling attached, included.  It is clearly marked with the “V.R. cypher.”

The barrel carries its own markings, the upper surface of the barrel knox form is marked “AMMUNITION / .22” The LHS of the exposed form is marked with the serial number; “2511” the obverse is marked with the calibre proofs.  The rifle is fitted with excellent full length dark walnut stocks, bayonet fitting on front band and steel butt-plate.  Under the barrel is a full length cleaning rod.  The RHS of the butt stock is marked with the original Enfield cartouches which are present but not easily deciphered.

The sights show the correct Bonehill  conversion markings, where on the side of the ramp are the .22 range markings.  They show the following; ” 25,  50, 100, and 200,”  The fore sight now has the ramp with dove-tail adjustable inverted V.  Finish to all steel components is fine with original blues fading to plumb browns with mild edge wear.  The stocks are in very fine condition with NO offensive scratches or dings that would offend the eye.  The overall finish is a good high polish – very difficult to replicate without the passage of considerable time and care.   There may be minor mechanical tuning to go through to perfect some operations within the cycle. The bore is in excellent condition with good fine rifling, no pitting or corrosion.  This rifle has to be accurate!

Altogether another one of those rifles I would rather keep than sell.  A rare opportunity to gain an important and original British trainer from a period in British military history when proficient rifle fire was vital, and the key to that was excellent training.

Please ask for Stock No F 915

£ 725.  SOLD

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