Martini-Henry Artillery Carbine, Mark II .450 inch, 1885

Made at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, 1885.

From 1888 the standard issue Martini-Henry rifle was being replaced in the British Army by the more modern Lee-Metford rifle. Old stocks of Mark II rifles were cut down and modified to provide Mark II Artillery carbines for Volunteer Artillery units. When converted they were also fitted with a bayonet lug to enable a sword bayonet to be fitted.

The brass butt roundel on this example shows it was issued to the 1st Aberdeen Volunteer Artillery in February 1894 and subsequently sold out of service.