December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2024
While there is no way of confirming that this Martini-Enfield .303 Artillery carbine was in the hands of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), it is exactly like several of the known examples that were smuggled into Ulster before WWI. It has no UVF markings, but it has the upgraded adjustable dial rear sight. The Irish Volunteers also acquired carbines of this type, and they were used in the 1916 Easter Rising. Its serial number is “E267”, and, like many of the Martinis smuggled into Ulster and Dublin, the carbine is devoid of any makers’ markings. It was "sanitized”, so if it were intercepted by the British government, it could not be traced. This carbine was acquired in a Virginia gun show about twenty years ago, and its provenance is unknown. However, it is complete, and it has been fired with .303 blanks in Living History presentations about the UVF and the Irish Volunteers, as well as being featured in exhibitions for gun collecting clubs in the Mid-Atlantic region. PROVENANCE: Kenneth Smith-Christmas collection. CONDITION: Barrel with approximately half of the original bluing retained, with areas of gunmetal grey, primarily around front and rear sights; proofs at barrel shank have distension from application of stamp. Receiver has been reblued, probably when the rifle was sanitized. Stocks very good with one divot on forearm and scattered impressions and handling marks, and some minor chips missing around receiver and at fore band. Mechanically fine, bore with well defined rifling and even frosting throughout.
Model
Martini-Henry Carbine