Original British Martini-Enfield .303 A.C.II. Artillery Carbine by R.S.A.F. Enfield – Converted in 1897 and Remarked Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Martini-Enfield Mk I was effectively a Martini-Henry Mk III rebarrelled to .303 and with a new extractor installed, whilst the Martini-Enfield Mk II rifles were generally of new manufacture- although there are examples of converted Mk II rifles.

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, but they 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 rifles 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 normally be stamped onto the right side of the action, while the left side would have information regarding the conversion. This example however became quite worn, so at some point it was marked again on the right side with the conversion information:

(Crown)
V.R
ENFIELD
1897
M.E. 303
AC.11

This carbine most likely started life in England as a .577/.450 Martini MARK III and then in 1897 at RSAF Enfield in England, it was reconfigured into a Carbine and was converted to .303 caliber as an M.E. Mark I. There are British proof marks on the action, barrel, and in other locations. This carbine very possibly served in the First World War, in a reserve capacity and probably Home Guard Service in WW2. When company director Christian Cranmer was a boy in the 1950s, England appeared to be awash with these, but at that time Napoleonic Flintlocks were plentiful too. How things have changed!

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 action still works correctly, with a crisp dry fire and the .303 ejector still presenting correctly. The trigger pull is a bit stiff at present. The bore is in very good condition, showing strong lands and grooves and a partly bright finish. There is definitely some fouling and oxidation, particularly near the chamber, as expected for a carbine that may have seen use with black powder from left over supplies. The stocks are in very good condition, showing a lovely color and no major damage or other issues, just the usual wear from use and long service. There is a stock disk on the right side of the butt stock, which is unmarked.

A wonderful piece of British and Firearms history! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: converted 1897
Caliber:  .303 British
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 25 Inches
Overall Length: 41 1/2 Inches
Action type: Falling-Block
Feed System: Single Shot