Original British Martini-Enfield .303 A.C.II. Artillery Carbine marked “Not For Ball” – Dated 1877 and converted 1898 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Martini-Enfield Carbine was effectively a Martini-Henry Carbine, rebarrelled to .303 and with a new extractor installed. This was far more economical for rear echelon troops than making a new purpose made weapon.

Originally (from 1889) Martini-Henry conversions used Metford rifled barrels (and were known as Martini-Metford rifles), which were more than suitable for the first .303 cartridges, which used black powder as a propellant. However, these wore out very quickly when fired with cordite/nitrocellulose cartridges (introduced in 1895) and so in 1895 the Enfield rifled barrel was introduced, which was much more satisfactory and suitable for use with “modern” (smokeless) ammunition.

The Martini-Enfield was in service from 1895-1918 (Lawrence of Arabia’s Arab Irregulars were known to have used them during the Arab Revolt of 1916-1918, along with any other firearms they could acquire), and it remained a Reserve Arm in places like India and New Zealand until well into World War II.

Martini-Enfield carbines were manufactured/converted by:

– R.S.A.F. (Royal Small Arms Factory), Enfield Lock
– L.S.A. Co (London Small Arms Co)
– B.S.A. & M Co (Birmingham Small Arms & Metals Co, later simply BSA)
– H.R.B. Co. (Henry Rifle Barrel Co, later went out of business and taken over by Blenheim Engineering)
– N.A.&A. Co (National Arms & Ammunition Co)

The original manufacturer information, would be stamped onto the right side of the action, while the left side would have information regarding the conversion. This example is marked on the right action with original maker information, however it is unfortunately mostly faded away, with only traced of the royal cypher. Fortunately, thy maker and date are still visible:

ENFIELD
1877

The left side is marked with the conversion information, which is much clearer:

(Crown)
V.R.
ENFIELD
1898
M.E. ‘303.
A.C.II.

This started life in England as a .577/.450 Martini in 1877, made by the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock, just in time for the African Campaigns of the late 1870s and early 1880s. In 1898, again in England, it was reconfigured by RSAF Enfield into a Carbine and was converted to .303 caliber as an M.E. Artillery Carbine Mk II. This particular carbine has lots of markings stamped into the wood as well as the metal, which show the long history and travels that it has made. It has a “Broad Arrow in C” marking, indicating that it was accepted at arsenal in Canada. There is also a R.C.M.I. stamp, most likely for the Royal Canadian Military Institute, where it was no doubt used for training and parade purposes.

At some time this Carbine was stamped NOT FOR BALL on the front of the receiver, indicating that it had been relegated to training and blank firing only. However, examination of the bore shows that it is bright with clear lands and grooves, and almost no wear. The usual reason for this stamping a perfectly good rifle this way was that it allowed the Regimental Armorer to write the weapon off and  apply for a brand new often far better replacement rifle, by then an S.M.L.E. No.1 MkIII. 

In very nice condition this model saw service in throughout the British colonies, it is fitted to accept the P-1888 Lee Metford knife bayonet to attach directly under the barrel. The stock is in good condition, though does show age. The stock rondel on the right butt stock is present, and fully legible, as are lots of markings on the entire carbine. It even has a very nice steel front sight protector installed.

A wonderful piece of British and Firearms history! Ready do display.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1877 – converted 1898
Caliber:  .303 British
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 21 Inches
Overall Length: 37 Inches
Action type: Falling-Block
Feed System: Single Shot