Volunteer Martin-Henry Sgt’ Bates Rifle …………………..(F 1088)
Created on April 4th 2023
Privately sold Martini-Henry Mk II rifle
Usually, built by P. Webley & Sons and finished by The Bates Rifle company. Based on Martini-Henry Mk II but built by the trade, many aspects of this rifle are identical to the military issue of the time. It was the Volunteer Rifle regiments that equipped themselves with these rifles and many shooting competitions were shot with them – hence the final touches by Bates. Sargent Bates was a very popular Target shooter – almost a celebrity who brought the Imperial Prize home for the British and beat the Americans. As a result of his popularity he left his previous employ and set up on his own, marketing just such rifles as these.
The rifle is a nominal 50″ long with a falling block action, actuated by the lever below the butt. The round barrel is 33.1/8″ long and the trigger Pull is 14.5/8″ to centre. The rifle is void of the standard markings as not built by the official military arsenals. Two piece English walnut stock with cross pin to help retain fore-end. Twin barrel bands. The front of which carries the sling swivel and the side mounting bayonet lug. Cocking indicator on RHS of action with serrated trigger within guard. Cross-hatched thumb depression to rear RHS top of action.
The rifle carries the serial number “6158” on the RHS of the knox form. The top flat is marked; “SGT. BATES” Forward of the same on the LHS of the barrel are the British civilian proof marks. Just behind the rear sight on the crest of the barrel it is still possible to just see; “FIELD / RIFLE CO’ / BIRMINGHAM”. No other visible markings on rifle or stock. Steel butt-plate.
Rear sights mounted approx 2″ behind mid barrel band. On the RHS they are graduated along the ramp from 100 to 400 yards. The ladder face is graduated from 500 to 1000 yards. Action is positive with no slack in the lever. The bore is very good with excellent rifling – very clean. Fitted with a heavy duty canvass sling attached to the rifle by the front band sling swivel and a swivel just in front of the trigger guard. The rifle is cleaned and well maintained but lacking in finish. Mostly the blueing departed many moons ago and there are signs of surface pitting appearing. Full length cleaning rod stored under barrel with a serial number on it.
Also with the Martin-Henry rifle comes an original M1887 Sword Bayonet & scabbard. The bayonet is 23.1/2″ long. The single edged blade is 18.1/4″ long with a single fuller and good point. It has black leather grips which are now smooth. On one side of the ricasso it is marked with the Royal Cypher over V.R / 87″. It has a black scabbard with good stitching to the leather work Chape WD marked and Locket present with frog stud..
No License required but can go section one if required (F 1088)
£ 1795.
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