Mk1 info required

[scottsmith]

My buddy just got a mk 1 Enfield from a estate he is looking for some info on it any help would be appreciate its a .303 he was looking for where it might have been used and the value of it thanks [/ATTACH]

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

The last photo has what look like two arrowheads tip to tip. That is the stamp showing it was Sold Out Of Service, ie not stolen from the military. Every other marking has a story. They are not random speckles.

Clean the dirt off the surface, but don't try to polish off the rust. No sand paper. No wire brushing. No wire wheel. MAYBE some bronze wool and lots of motor oil to float off the bits of oxidization, but nothing harder than the old iron should be used. It has patina and a sign of genuine age. The wood can be cleaned with soap and water, but blown dry not left to soak or air dry. Wiping with boiled linseed oil will lift off a heckuva lot of crud without disturbing the markings or finish.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

Google is your friend for a more definitive identification. The clues are cartridge, barrel length, sight markings, length of the Martini lever, shape of the receiver rear, etc. And don't lose the parts that were removed. They aren't making them any more.

 

[scottsmith]

Thanks

 

[flashman2]

It's a Martini Enfield Artillery Carbine Mk 1.

It's missing the rear sling swivel and nosecap screw. The butt stock disc is stamped to the 2nd Battery, Lincolnshire Royal Field Artillery. I'm guessing the OLB means over length butt or something like that given the butt appears to have indeed been lengthened.

The only thing that puzzles me are the right side markings - the ME AC 1 was made by converting old Mk III Martini Henrys. The right side markings should be the original Mk III ones, but the 1897 date is too late - MH Mk IIIs production ended in 1889 - and Henry Rifle Barrel did the conversions, not the production of the MH Mk III. I'm no expert on them but I don't get that. All the ones I've seen before have an 1880s date which is when the Mk IIIs were made.

Value depending on mechanical condition and bore, etc, I'd say in the $500 range. She's in bordering on pretty rough shape, and appears to have suffered quite a bit of neglect. The active rust and pitting at the barrel/reciever junction isn't a good sign.

I'm going to disagree with using soap and water to clean, you can use straight mineral spirits and a rag to remove the grime, then give it a light oiling. No need to introduce moisture to the wood.

http://www.martinihenry.org/index.php?route=product/product&path=61_62&product_id=71

 

[scottsmith]

Thanks flashman not sure about the dates as I have no knowledge of them at all only what google turned up after he brought it to me for a look all interesting tho I’m sure it could tell a few stories.