Original British Martini-Enfield .303 A.C.II. Artillery Carbine by R.S.A.F. Enfield - Dated 1885 and Converted 1898

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, which is a bit faint, but still fully legible with a magnifier:

(Crown)
V.R.
ENFIELD
1885.

I.C.1

2

This carbine started life in England as a .577/.450 Martini-Henry I.C.1. Carbine in 1885, made at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock, one of the major producers of the Martini-Henry. This was made in time to take part in the Mahdist wars, however this was also the same year that the .303 Lee-Metford was introduced, so it most likely had a relatively short service life before being converted.

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

(Crown)
V.R.
H.R.B. Co.
1898
M.E. '303.
A.C.II.

This indicates that it was converted to a Martini-Metford .303 carbine by the Henry Barreled Rifle Company, who would later make many I.C.1. carbines under a contract for India. It has the correct E stamped into the top of the barrel nocks form, indicating "Enfield" rifling. We can see on the left side of both the receiver AND the barrel the "opposed broad arrows" indicating that it was "Sold out of Service", probably for use during the WWI era, as we can see modern Arabic markings and numerals stamped onto parts of the carbine. These were used extensively during the Arabian campaigns.

In very nice condition this model saw service in throughout the British colonies. The stocks are in good condition, though they do show long use and were most likely refurbished several times during the carbine's service life. We cannot see any identifiable markings, and it looks like the fore stock may have been replaced at some point, as it does not have the usual fittings we would see. Mechanically the carbine functions well, with the ejector presenting when the breech block is opened, though we have not tested it on actual brass. It has a crisp dry fire, and we did not notice any excessive looseness in the action. We checked the bore, and it is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear, so it does not look to have seen much use after being converted.

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

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1874 - converted 1899
Caliber:  .303 British
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 21 Inches
Overall Length: 37 1/2 Inches
Action type: Falling-Block
Feed System: Single Shot