A Martini-Enfield Mk. I in .303 British, which was converted by Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield from a Martini-Henry Mk. III in .577-450 originally made by RSAF Enfield in 1879. The left-hand side of the receiver bears the royal cypher of Queen Victoria, with “V.R. Enfield 1895 M.E. 303 I” written beneath it. The right-hand side of the receiver again bears the royal cypher of Queen Victoria, with the text “V.R. Enfield 1879 III. I” written beneath it.
The buttstock has a unit disc bearing the text “W. R. 627,” which we believe suggests that it may have been issued to a unit originating from West Riding, Yorkshire. While the rifle’s proof marks are predominantly Victorian-era the barrel is stamped with the text “E ’09” and Edwardian proofs, suggesting that it was in British service as late as 1909 under King Edward VII.
This Martini-Enfield comes with an original front sight protector. It also has a small split visible on the right-hand side of the forend.
