Martini-Henry Artillery Carbine, Mark II .450 inch, issued 1894

Made at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield.

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.

This one was issued to the 1st Shropshire and Staffordshire Volunteer Artillery in July 1894 and subsequently sold out of service, probably for cadet use in the early years of the 20th Century.