Martini Henry Rifle.
The Martini-Henry was a breech-loading lever-actuated rifle adopted by the British, combining an action worked on by Friedrich von Martini (in certain respects resembling, and sometimes claimed to be based on, the Peabody rifle developed byHenry Peabody), with the rifled barrel designed by Scotsman Alexander Henry. It first entered service in 1871 replacing the Snider-Enfield, and variants were used throughout the British Empire for 30 years. Though the Snider was the first breechloader firing a metallic cartridge in the British service, the Martini was designed from the outset as a breechloader and was both faster firing and had a longer range.
The rifle used in these photos is an 1874 Mark I conversion to Mark II.
The rifle used in these photos is an 1874 Mark I conversion to Mark II.
.577/450 Round.
This cartridge was adopted in 1871 by the British military for use in the Martini-Henry single shot falling block rifles. Like the Snider it was originally a coiled brass case which after a few years was changed to the drawn type. It was also a popular sporting round which has been loaded with both black and smokeless powder. These rounds where carried in ten round paper packets tide with sting issued from wooden ammunition boxes .
Pattern 1876 Socket Bayonet (Other Ranks)
Overall Length: 25 inches /Blade Length: 21.75 inches
The Pattern 1876 Socket Bayonet is an improved and redesigned Pattern 1853. It was the opinion of many that the Pattern 1853 was too short to make an effective fighting weapon when attached to the rifle. As a result, the Pattern 1876 was lengthened nearly five inches. The cross sectional shape of the 1876 was made equiangular, rather than being wider on the top as was the 1853. Also, since this bayonet was only to be used with breechloading arms, the outward curve was also omitted.
The Pattern 1876 Socket Bayonet is an improved and redesigned Pattern 1853. It was the opinion of many that the Pattern 1853 was too short to make an effective fighting weapon when attached to the rifle. As a result, the Pattern 1876 was lengthened nearly five inches. The cross sectional shape of the 1876 was made equiangular, rather than being wider on the top as was the 1853. Also, since this bayonet was only to be used with breechloading arms, the outward curve was also omitted.
1860 Pattern Sword Bayonet (Sergeant's)
This is another example of an existing bayonet being modified for use with the Martini-Henry. Their muzzle rings were bushed to fit the Martini-Henry barrel, and the tops of the pommels were filed down to allow the pattern 60 to slide onto the top barrel band tab. It features a curved blade known as a 'Yataghan' type blade.
Overall length - 28.1 inches (71.4cm) Blade length - 22.7 inches (57.7cm)
Overall length - 28.1 inches (71.4cm) Blade length - 22.7 inches (57.7cm)
Firearms Regulations
All Martini-Henry rifles are genuine rifles - replicas are not available. Due to the age of these weapons it is possible to purchase one without a firearms or shotgun licence.
However, please note that if you have one of these rifles it is necessary that you possess the correct licence (either a firearms certificate for a rifled barrel or a shotgun licence for a smooth barrel) if you wish to fire it. Also it may be necessary for you to possess a black powder licence if you wish to possess the blank ammunition used in these rifles. Please check with members of the group for full information regarding these regulations.
Please note ownership of the correct certificates will be inspected before we allow you to fire your Martini-Henry. Also your rifle will be checked by our armourer to ensure that it is safe to be fired.
All Martini-Henry rifles are genuine rifles - replicas are not available. Due to the age of these weapons it is possible to purchase one without a firearms or shotgun licence.
However, please note that if you have one of these rifles it is necessary that you possess the correct licence (either a firearms certificate for a rifled barrel or a shotgun licence for a smooth barrel) if you wish to fire it. Also it may be necessary for you to possess a black powder licence if you wish to possess the blank ammunition used in these rifles. Please check with members of the group for full information regarding these regulations.
Please note ownership of the correct certificates will be inspected before we allow you to fire your Martini-Henry. Also your rifle will be checked by our armourer to ensure that it is safe to be fired.