.22 Martini-Bonehill Shotgun……………SOLD

Martini-Henry C.G.Bonehill conversion Shotgun

An interesting conversion of a Martini-Henry Rifle to a .22 Shotgun by C.G.Bonehill of Birmingham.

This item looks to be a standard .577/450 Military Rifle by BSA that has been converted. It retains many of its original military components fitted to a 30″ round blued barrel.  The fore-end has been shortened to a sporting length then the original front barrel band has been reused halfway down the barrel with the sling swivle and sword bayonet lug still inplace.  The standard front sight remains.

Overall length is 46.1/4″.  The stock length is 14.1/2″. The serial number stamped into the barrel knox is 2755. Also detailed on the top flat of the knox is the caliber stamped as “AMMUNITION / .22″ On the sides of the same are numerous British proofs and tonnage markings.  At 4.1/2” from the breech, on top of the barrel, are two small threaded holes, one infront of the other, which look like they could have been for scope mounts, another possible stage that this weapon may have been through.  Directly infront of the holes is the following “C G.BONEHILL  BIRMINGHAM.”  Scattered over an area of 10″ on the exposed underside of the barrel is some fairly deep pitting that has been finished over.

On the LHS of the blued action is the following stamping,”CONVERTED BY C.G.BONEHILL OF BIRMINGHAM / FOR THE SOCIETY OF MINIATURE RIFLE CLUBS”  The RHS of the action still displays the original Enfield markings, “CROWN / ENFIELD. / 1885 / Crown over inverted arrow/ II.”  The cocking indicator is also intact.   The 5″ underlever is staped with inspection marks as is the trigger guard.  The lever still retains a strong percentage of blued finish. On the top of the action at the front, above the breech is the marking “S-X” this was the Martini-Henry marking for strengthened extractor.

The RHS of the standard Walnut stock also displays clear original stampings of  “W.D. under broard arrow” within  the, what would normally be “BSA & Co Birmingham” Circle, over “VI” over “1”  NOTE: Look closely at the cartouche in the photo below it seems to actuall read “B.A CROWN A.Co / BIRMINGHAM” !?  Anybody got any ideas?

The bore of the Shotgun is perfect, and the action sound.  This is an interesting and very usable part of Martini-Henry history.

£255.

Comments Off on .22 Martini-Bonehill Shotgun……………SOLD