Greener made Martini Enfield

[chrisco]

First off let me say that this is not a "what's it worth thread?"
This rifle is absolutely NOT for sale

My Google-fu has not found much info so I am putting it out to the experts on CGN for help in learning more about this rifle

It is a WW Greener made Martini Enfield in 303 British. This much I know.
Serial number is 54

Can anyone tell me when and where this was made?
Can anyone tell me based on the pictures does it look correct?

Barrel also stamped WW Greener Birmingham

Stamped 303. Nitro proved

The barrel band is an odd fit. Lots of gap between it and barrel which makes me question whether something is incorrect

This brass rod is not removable without first unscrewing and removing the front barrel band/bayonet lug.

I would also like to know if a bayonet is available for this rifle.
I just really like having a bayonet with my milsurp firearms.

Thanks in advance
Shoot straight - chrisco

 

[dauph197]

We have one of these rifles in the Museum collection... I will try to find the information about it!

Martin

 

[JTF#]

i think the band is like that because of the smaller barrel.
are you going to shoot it? i'd love to shoot it! it looks in really good condition.

p.s. i think the cocking indicator is upside down?

 

[chrisco]

JTF#
Yes it is a shooter. I questioned the cocking indicator myself but that's how it was when I got it so I have left it as such

 

[smellie]

If the bore is decent, it is a very real Prize.

The Martini action has the quickest Lock Time (time between pulling the trigger and ignition of the round) of ANYTHING ever made. This is part of the reason that martini actions are still in use on Olympic and other Match rifles.

W.W. Greener's factory was IN the city of Birmingham in England. They built all kinds of guns there and supplied many to various members of the Trade to be marked with the names of their respective shops. That said, there is reason to suspect that they bought nameless Lee-Enfields from BSA and marked them with their own name. They certainly built quality shotguns, .22s..... and quantities of Martinis is all calibres. They also did accurising and custom work; if you had the money, they would build you anything your little heart could desire.

Greener's book, THE GUN AND ITS DEVELOPMENT, came out in its final edition in 1911 and has been reprinted. It is WELL worth having.