Enfield Martini-Henry Mk III/I Infantry Rifle SOLD

British Martin-Enfield Mk III/I Short Lever Rifle

Fine condition Martini-Henry Mk III/I Short Lever rifle in excellent condition.  This is one of the more desirable models as a Mk III/Ist class and a short lever. Also, it was made by Enfield themselves and has not been downgraded in service, to the Empires far flung regions. Although it was actually discovered in Canada it shows no Colonial markings. Single shot falling block Infantry rifle chambered in .577/450.  Full length rifle with fine two piece woodwork and strong original blueing.  Overall length 49.1/2″ with round blued barrel of 33.1/8″ and a trigger pull of 14.1/4″ to centre.  Equipped with two sling swivels and a full length WD marked cleaning rod.  Produced in 1884. No visible serial number.  Numbers found inside during cleaning.

Smooth steel butt-plate marked on the upper tang with broad arrow and WD acceptance marks.  The RHS of the butt-stock is marked with a “R.M ENFIELD” cartouche with “WD” in the centre. Beneath that roundel is a Roman “III / I” This simply means Mark 3 First Class.  The falling block in the action is operated by pulling Short lever down, this opens the rifle for loading and ejects a spent case.  On the rear sloping  face of the action is an indent to indicate to the user the position where the thumb should rest.  This positioning of the thumb alleviated the occurrences of bruised cheeks due to recoil and wrapping the thumb over the stock.

On the RHS of the action is a small cocking indicator – it is smaller than the Mark II.  On the same side outer wall of the action are the markings, they read as follows;- “Royal Cypher / V.R.(Victoria) / ENFIELD / 1884 / Crown over broad arrow / III. / 1.” Serrated trigger within trigger guard with rear sling swivel attached to front of same.  Another discernible feature of the mark III is the steel hook on the underside of the fore-end which is present on this piece. This is marked ;- “Broad arrow over WD / Enfield inspectors mark / III.”  The trigger guard is similarly inspected, as is the lever.  Standard military rear ladder sights with brass inlaid lines to help estimate windage.  The sights are graduated from 100 to 400 yards in the laid-down position and from 500 to 1300 in the upright position.

Multiple view and inspection marks on the LHS side of the breech and action.  Very clear WD and Enfield stampings on the LHS of the barrel bands.  The front band incorporating a bayonet mounting lug.  Front sight upon a block doubles as mounting point for socket bayonet.  This rifle is in very good condition all over.  Bluing is strong and woodwork is in fine condition.  The best feature is the condition of the bore, it really is very good, still retaining a shine to the surface and fully intact rifling with no pitting.

A very good standard Enfield, perfect for that high grade military rifle collection.

£ 1680.  SOLD

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