Smallbore Greener conversion of Martini-Henry Rifle…(F 1209)

Target Conversion of Martin-Henry Rifle

This rifle began its journey as a standard issue, short lever, Martini-Henry Infantry Rifle.  During the reign of Queen Victoria (1874) it left the factory as a Mk I in .577/450.  The LHS of the action bares whitness to the different changes it experienced along the way. This was entirely normal for these weapons, as the British Military were almost constantly using them in the different Empire building wars that sprung up around the globe at the time.  As shortfalls or failings were encountered and rectified, the rifle returned to armouries time after time, to be updated.  There are other markings such as the “X.S.” above the breech indicating a strengthening of the extractor, but these were all within the preiod of service when it was a full bore weapon.  The last change and the manifistation we see it in today, was to small bore trainer, club rifle, carried out by W.W. Greener of Birmingham.

After the British got such a pasting during the Boer Wars, Target shooting around the country was enthusiastically encouraged at all levels.  There were many  Martini-Henrys available, as the British military were replacing them with the Metford and Long Enfields.  A large proportion of the conversions were carried out by the Birmingham gun trade and consisted of sleeving of the barrels as in this case.  This is clearly eveident on inspetion of both ends of the barrel, where the braizing can be seen.  The RHS of the action is marked as follows: ” Victorian Crown (cypher)/ V.R./ENFIELD/1874/ crown over inverted arrow (acceptance mark)/I. I/2″ The first of the “I.”‘s to the left, was added at a later date, as it is slightly crooked.  On the same side but over the breech end of the barrel are the caliber markings “.22L” and the serial number “7557”  Other inspection or armoury marks are dotted all over the weapon.

Upon the LHS of the action there are few marks but some quite telling if you wanted to do some research and put them all in order (job for the new owner !) you could cronologically arrange the life of the weapon, some of the marks have dates including; 1890, 1893.  More importantly the opposing arrow mark is toward the front on the same side, denoting “Sold out of Service”  There is no date on this mark but this would have been at the point where Greener purchased a job lot of the rifles for conversion to .22 and marked the end of their military service. Large cocking indicator on RHS.

The top of the barrel is marked, between the mid barrel ring and the rear sights; “W.W.GREENER MAKER BIRMINGHAM”  Between the rear sight and the action it is also marked “AMMUNITION .22″  Standard rifle rear sights but additionally marked for the small caliber on the RHS of the ramp.  Marbles front sight and ramp fitted. The rifle is 44.1/4″ in overall length.  The round sleeved barrel is 27.5/8” long.  The flat of the muzzle is marked: “PARKED RIFLED AGP.” The weapon still retains a front band with bayonet mount on the RHS and sling swivel mounted below.  Rear sling swivel mounted on front of trigger guard.  No cleaning rod as it would be superfulous.

The butt stock has been extended in walnut by another full inch (at time of conversion) Steel butt plate. Once again there is much to learn from the RHS of the walnut butt-stock as it has many markings clearly stamped into it. Some of which are; the original “BIRMINGHAM / WD” roundle, rifle number 555, a date 1888 and the sold out of Service arrows.  It also has a brass plackard marked to “W. SHARRATT.” possibly a winners rifle or just denotes the owner at some time.  This is a fine rifle in excellent condition with an excellent bore.  Freshly proofed and ready to return to the range. Wear is consumate with age and some blueing remains on the barrel.

Stock No F 1209  – FAC Required.

£ 595.

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