“If it’s a miracle, it’s a Boxer Henry .450” miracle!” Quote from the film ZULU !!!

This is one of the best websites when it comes to the (The Martini Henry rifle ) Good Photo Detail along with description.

http://www.martinihenry.co.uk/


Martini Henry rifle.


The Martini-Henry rifle was developed from 1866 to 1871. This antique rifle was a mixture of the Henry rifles and the Martini falling-block action. Frederich Martini (1832-1897) was a Swiss gunsmith, who improved the American Peabody falling-block action. Alexander Henry (1817-1895) was the owner of gunmaking company in Scotland.
These two antique gunsmiths displayed their prototypes to the British Army firearms probes(1867-1869) to find a substitute for the Snider Rifle. This antique rifle was used in the Zulu War and the Second Afghan War in 1878; and in the African Boer War of 1881.
The best models of the Martini Henry production are:
-Mark I (1871-1876): Length of 124.5 cm, with a lanyard eye at the butt of the rifle.
-Mark I Cavalry Carbine: Length of 95.8 cm.
-Mark I Artillery Carbine: Length of 95.8 cm.
-Mark II (1877-1881): Length of 125.7 cm.
-Mark III (1881-1888): Length of 125.7 cm.
Today many Martini-Henrys are used as sporting rifles.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
-Calibre : .450-577″
-Catridge capacity: single shot
-Operation : single-action
-Firing system : centre-fire
-Breach-loading: falling block action
-Length : 121.9 cm (48″)
-Barrel length : 85.1 cm (33.5″)
-Weight : 3.9 kg (8.6 lb)
-Sight : graduated sight
-Safety : loading indicator on right hand side of frame
-Stock : walnut

1894.
Did you know a large number of .577/.450 Martini-Henry rifles were converted to .303 calibre to extend their useful service life, and served side by side with the bolt actioned Lee - particularly in the more remote corners of the globe.

My resarch has thrown up quite a few good facts about the issue of the first service pattern the Martini -Henry mk1 (3rd: approved pattern). during 1872-74 the Martini was only trialled, this was done at various home, Hythe, Aldershot, Portsmouth {navy} and overseas stations and not for general issue.

The rifle was not approved for service until 28-9-1874, under a draft general order to the Army, order commenced on 12-10-74 for immediate issue.
On 3-10-74 the controller a Woolwich suggested That packing of M-H rifles be commenced, 21-10-1874 that arms and ammunition be distributed to foriegn stations (excluding India), order approved 29-10-1874.


The Mk1 was still in service until 1881, there had been 450,000 made, most of which were converted at Enfield to Mk2 status between 1877-1881, however in the 1879 production year (March 1878-March 1879) only 125,000 had been converted, the RSAF superintendent reported that efforts to complete the task would take into the 1880 production year.

Is this a true statement?

"The Martini-Henry, this weapon was carried by every man except officers and staff sergeants. "

Can understand the officer not being issued as they were probably issued with revolvers and swords

But what were Staff Sergeants issued with?

Hi Dave,
I cant find anything that says the Staff Sergeants/NCOs used anything else, the only thing, which im sure youll already know, is that they were issued with the P1860/75 sword-bayonet instead of the regular bayonets.
Maybe someone else can answer your question.

thanks joe

Hi Dave , joe.
My guess is Staff Sergeants were issued with a pencil . :lol!: . This is one that no doubt our esteemed member
Neil Aspinshaw will certainly know the answer , if Neil doesnt know then we are in a bit of bother . .
cheers 90th.

I thought all British Soldiers were issued with the M.H no matter what rank.

Do not get mixed up betweem a C/Sgt and a S/Sgt in the Victorian army.
A S/Sgt was armed with a revolver and sword as indeed was the QMS
and the Sgt Maj