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Martini-Henry Mark II

pladsplads Member Posts: 224 ✭✭✭
edited June 2003 in Ask the Experts
Any idea what a Mark II with bayonet (triangular shaped)with dress sling is worth. Steel finish is excellent as is the wood. Somebody has lacquered the wood however (and done a nice job)
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Comments

  • pladsplads Member Posts: 224 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    this is a Souyth Australian issued militia rifle. Any idea of vaslue. it's an 1874
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  • PythonPython Member Posts: 267 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    plads;
    Interest in these rifles has been on the increase in recent years. They are rugged, reliable, and damn near idistructable. However, while interesting in design and form, they have never brought large prices. In my area at least they sell between $150 and $250 when they turn up. You did'nt say what caliber you're is.This to can make a big difference in the value.

    Kill all the lawyers and the world will be much better for it.
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  • pladsplads Member Posts: 224 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    This one is a 450-577. Made in 1874 and is the Mark I upgrade to Mark II. (the II is not centered, was a I and then another I was added when upgraded).This was quite usual back then.
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.comcaptkirk3@dslextreme.com Member Posts: 3,804
    edited November -1
    PYTHON is correct......I bought several MARTINI CADETS several years ago when I was in OZ...gave $125.00 U.S., each...Could have had a #1 and a #2...577-450, for $175.00 U.S. each, wish I'd bought them now....Is your Bayonet LITHGOW..or British Made?..Bayonet is Worth $100.00.....Best..........

    Captain Kirk, Tech Staff
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  • pladsplads Member Posts: 224 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thank you Python and once again Capt.Kirk. The bayonet is British. We have a few Cadet rifles around as well. Mine is not the Cadet however.Current value of both? Thanks,Plads
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.comcaptkirk3@dslextreme.com Member Posts: 3,804
    edited November -1
    I know that Yours is'nt a CADET....all CADETS are .310 Caliber....But some of the 1st were in the Obsolete Rook Calibers, which for the sake of conversation won't fit in with the current discussion...I said I bought 2 Cadets and was offered a #1 and a #2 in the Bargain...which I turned down.....
    I just looked at My reply...and looks as tho I'm being Rude...Thats not the case...No Sarcasm intended....

    Captain Kirk, Tech Staff<P><BR>
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  • PythonPython Member Posts: 267 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Plads;
    Unfortuately the number II in .450-577 is an obsolete caliber.
    While it can be found, the ammo is prohibitively expense. It is a very corrosuve loading consisting of a highly mercuric primer mixture ans a cordite propellent charge. These rifles IF and it's a big IF
    nitro proofed are canidates for rebarreling to other calibers. With a proofing date that is pre-1898, it is in all likelyhood not. The mis-aligned II is not uncommon, as you surmised another I was struck with a hand held punch after the "upgrade". Mis-alignment was common. The steel and wood finishing on these rifle was always top shelf. I have never seen an ugly one, unless it had rusted or been "messed" with. Bearing black powder proofs and in the defunct .450-577 caliber, the bayonet is probably worth as much as the rifle. Sorry.

    Kill all the lawyers and the world will be much better for it.
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  • Iroquois ScoutIroquois Scout Member Posts: 930 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    While the .577-450 Martini-Henry is an obsolete caliber, modern solid head brass cases are available as are bullet moulds, dies and loading data. I would NOT try to fire any of the original coiled brass cartridges as it is not only a bad design, but after a 125 years of lieing around the brass will be very weak. The original cartridges themselves are collectors items.
    I would Not rebarrel this rifle to another caliber. The value of this rifle is in it's original military configuration. If the bore of this rifle is in shootable condition, then it is of intrust to military collectors and reinactors like myself, who actually shoot these old rifles and this one is a classic.
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