Martini Henry Question

[lasbrisas]

Folks, I am thinking of buying a MkI pattern 3 MH that has a number 2 stamped unde the MkI which stands for second class. Now I have done a lot of reading about this and wanted to know if it's anything to be concerned about as they seem to put it there for one of two reasons, either it's because it's an obsolete version or it is worn or has problems, either which meant it shouldn't be used in front line service. I have seen the bore which looks really good, I am aware that later Marks are better but I also want it from a collectors point of view, so your thoughts please.

[lasbrisas]

Wow I'm surprised, 80 views and no replies !

[redcat]

Are yo u 100% certain this mark means "second class"? Could it not just be a military inspector's mark?

Redcat

[davidh195]

I'm sure it means second class, I would have a look here & perhaps ask the question.

http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.com/ ... enry-Forum

David

[dromia]

As with all these guns if you wish to shoot it, have it thoroughly gone over by someone who knows what they are doing to see if there are any issues with it.

No one can really say much about the individual rifle from such a post.

[lasbrisas]

As with all these guns if you wish to shoot it, have it thoroughly gone over by someone who knows what they are doing to see if there are any issues with it.

No one can really say much about the individual rifle from such a post.

Yes I know it's difficult to comment on a specific rifle, trouble is I don't have it to hand either. I like the fact that it's a Mark I and have mentioned what Class 2 CAN mean but wanted more clarification for peace of mind really before I shell out my hard earned as it's almost 4 figures. I have seen the bore which looks crisp and spotless, as for accuracy well who knows till you try it, I was really hoping that the Class 2 in this case referred to an old model, ie superseded by later Marks.

[dromia]

Yes but there is that doubt that only a thorough competent check will allay.

[450 Martini]

If you are getting a un upgraded military Mark 1 for less than a thousand pounds you are getting a good deal.
The second class mark is pretty normal for most early mark martini rifles that have been in the ordnance system. A second class stamp could denote that it is an older pattern of rifle or one that is nearing obsolescence. As these rifles served in garrison armouries in far flung corners of the British empire until the early 20th century they would still be in storage next to the new lee-metford and lee-enfield rifles, the new 1st class rifle.
The usual sign of any corrosion and subsequent lap work having being carried out on a barrel is a * on the Knox form. Even so this asterix does not mean the rifle is unserviceable, far from it. It means corrective work has been carried out and the rifle has passed armoury inspection and had taken/refused bore gauges. Truly unserviceable arms would be back loaded to Weedon stores and broken up for spares.

[lasbrisas]

If you are getting a un upgraded military Mark 1 for less than a thousand pounds you are getting a good deal.
The second class mark is pretty normal for most early mark martini rifles that have been in the ordnance system. A second class stamp could denote that it is an older pattern of rifle or one that is nearing obsolescence. As these rifles served in garrison armouries in far flung corners of the British empire until the early 20th century they would still be in storage next to the new lee-metford and lee-enfield rifles, the new 1st class rifle.
The usual sign of any corrosion and subsequent lap work having being carried out on a barrel is a * on the Knox form. Even so this asterix does not mean the rifle is unserviceable, far from it. It means corrective work has been carried out and the rifle has passed armoury inspection and had taken/refused bore gauges. Truly unserviceable arms would be back loaded to Weedon stores and broken up for spares.

Thanks for your reply, I have passed it by now as there appear to be too many variables and I am far from knowing a lot about them, stripping it down could also determin if it is a true Mark I but I wouldn't have been able to do that. Later military rifles, of which I have many seem to be a bit more straight forward in determining what you have.

[sniper3]

When I first got mine and wanted to shoot it. I got it reproofed by the dealer, only mistake I made was I forgot to tell them not to stamp the proofing on the rifle. The proof house gives you a certificate of proofing. After that, bob's your uncle.
Enjoy shooting your M/H, I did.