Guns International #: 102674210
Seller's Inventory #: 240145

Category - Winchester Rifles - Martini Cadet Rifles

Category
Winchester Rifles
Martini Cadet Rifles

BSA Australian MARTINI CADET Rifle .32 Winchester Special Conversion WS C&R Made for the COMMONWEALTH of AUSTRALIA

Description:
BSA Australian MARTINI CADET Rifle .32 Winchester Special Conversion WS C&R

Made for the COMMONWEALTH of AUSTRALIA

Here we present a C&R Birmingham Small Arms Martini Cadet Rifle manufactured circa 1911 in Birmingham, England. This Martini Cadet rifle is a single-shot centerfire Falling Block produced in the United Kingdom by Birmingham Small Arms and W.W. Greener to be used by Australian military Cadets.  Although considered a miniature version of the Martini–Henry, the internal mechanism was redesigned by Auguste Francotte to permit removal from the receiver as a single unit. Originally chambered for the .310 Cadet cartridge (also referred to as the .310 Greener), it was used from 1891 to 1955. After being sold by the Australian government many were converted to sporting or target rifles, often re-barreled to other calibers.

The Martini-Henry Single Shot Falling Block Rifle, which this cadet rifle was patterned after, was made with a production run between 1871 and 1889 with somewhere between 500,000 and 1,000,000 produced. The first iteration of the rifle came about in 1871 and was adopted by the British Army to replace the Enfield Snider Breech Loading Rifles that were being phased out. The action is based on the patent by American and Boston native Henry O. Peabody, which was improved by Swiss inventor Friedrich von Martini. The new polygonal barrel rifling was the design of Scotsman Alexander Henry. This is where the rifle derives its name. Martini–Henry variants were used throughout the British Empire for 47 years. Like other British weapons, the Martini-Henry saw action all over the world, and most famously in the Zulu Wars in Africa.

This example has a kangaroo on top of the receiver, “COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA” and “NSW” (New South Wales) markings on the right of the receiver. “C.M.F. / N.S.W. / 10.612 / 7 11” is stamped on the right of the buttstock. This rifle has been rechambered from .310 Cadet to .32 Winchester Special, as marked on the breech.

The overall condition is near fine. Original finish. The action is excellent. The bore is shiny bright with sharp rifling. The stock shows use and remains solid throughout.

This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Barrel is 25-1/4 inches.

Caliber: .32 Winchester Special

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$1400

#240145

 

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes