Attempting to ID BSA Martini 22lr

[Tbolt]

Hi All

A friend of mine managed to get his hands on a nice looking BSA Martini .22.
He has asked for my help in identifying it, and determinign its value.
I am not too familiar with the Martini 22s

Following a few suggested links from people I have found that it looks like a No. 12 but there are features on it that don't add up.



It has a Hvy barrel so that leans to No. 12 but the barrel doesn't have a sight base? like all the No. 12s that I have looked at.
The swivels are another issue.

The serial number puts in the pre 1939 era, no letters before or after.
I have asked if he could look under the forearm on the barrel for the date ID( two crossed swords with a letter between them)

I'm hoping to get a look at it in person soon.

If anyone is able to help identify it and give a rough value that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[islandguy]

Here's a good place to start your research. There were numerous versions of all the different Models of BSA Martinis over the decades they were produced. I've paid from $225 to $550 for them between 2010 and 2015. They seem to be going for ridiculously unrealistic prices now. Not sure why.
htt**p://www.rifleman.org.uk/BSA_small-bore_target_rifles.html

 

[horseman2]

A model 12 is probably a pretty close guess.
There is a site devoted to Martini rifles if you try www.rimfirecentral.com

 

[Brutus]

Looks like the Model 13 to me.

 

[Tbolt]

Once I have the barrel length that might solve things.
The barrel is a heavy barrel which as far as I can tell eliminates the No 13.

 

[Tbolt]

Hmmm, got some more info

Teh receiver is 1.25" wide which goes with No. 12
The weight is roughly 8.4 lbs which is right in the area of the No.12 which is stated at 8.25 lbs

The barrel however he says is 25" long which isn't correct for No.12, it is correct for No.13
So have asked him to measure the barrel diameter at the muzzle hopefully this will finally determine what it is.

 

[DeadeyeDave]

Could be a #8 with that length barrel? Or possibly cut down.

 

[Tbolt]

Could be a #8 with that length barrel? Or possibly cut down.

The No.8 Target version does have a barrel with that length and is very similar to the No.12 except that all No. 8s are built on the 1" receiver and this one is a 1.25" receiver.
The barrel is 25" long, and it has a diameter of 3/4" at the muzzle which jives with the No.12 barrel except 3.5" shorter. Depending on the taper of the barrel would cutting 3.5 inches off still have the same diameter?
Or was there an option to have a shorter barrel on the No. 12? I have looked but haven't found if there was or not.

 

[islandguy]

The No.8 Target version does have a barrel with that length and is very similar to the No.12 except that all No. 8s are built on the 1" receiver and this one is a 1.25" receiver.
The barrel is 25" long, and it has a diameter of 3/4" at the muzzle which jives with the No.12 barrel except 3.5" shorter. Depending on the taper of the barrel would cutting 3.5 inches off still have the same diameter?
Or was there an option to have a shorter barrel on the No. 12? I have looked but haven't found if there was or not.

You are correct about the No8 "1 receiver vs the No12 1.25". I believe what you have is the short (25") barrel take-down Model 12 that was bought by the Cdn Govt to equip the Canadian Army Cadet Corps beginning in the early 1920's. I have owned several of these, and seen a great many others close-up. If yours has the brass stock roundel with the CC number, you can determine what cadet corps it belonged to: htt**p://www.armycadethistory.com/Cadet Corps DB/cadet_corps_database.htm
BSA lost the majority of their early manufacturing records during WWII bombing raids, so it is nearly impossible to determine all the variations and custom-order specifications for the Martini-action 22's produced from 1909-1940.

 

[Tbolt]

You are correct about the No8 "1 receiver vs the No12 1.25". I believe what you have is the short (25") barrel take-down Model 12 that was bought by the Cdn Govt to equip the Canadian Army Cadet Corps beginning in the early 1920's. I have owned several of these, and seen a great many others close-up. If yours has the brass stock roundel with the CC number, you can determine what cadet corps it belonged to: htt**p://www.armycadethistory.com/Cadet Corps DB/cadet_corps_database.htm
BSA lost the majority of their early manufacturing records during WWII bombing raids, so it is nearly impossible to determine all the variations and custom-order specifications for the Martini-action 22's produced from 1909-1940.

I was just sent another picture by my friend.
This is on the underside of the buttstock.



I sent an email asking if there is a number on that crest.

 

[islandguy]

That is something personal that has been affixed to the butt-stock. The cadet roundel is brass, about .75-1" diameter, and affixed to the side of the stock with a slot-head screw through the center.