Summary
Australian Service rifle, B.S.A (Birmingham Small Arms Company) Cadet Martini, 2nd pattern, cal. .310in., steel rifled (five groove) round barrel, 62.40cm long. Francotte's Patent Martini falling block single shot breech loading action, steel triggerguard, loading lever, foreend and butt plate. Barleycorn foresight, graduated rear sight. School of Infantry No. M198. Purchased by the Australian Government in the first decades of the 20th century for the purposes of cadet training. Used by the NSW Citizen Military Forces. This example acquired from the Australian Army in the late 1950s, and hence its very good/excellent original finish and condition.
In 1910 the Australian Commonwealth Government introduced a system of universal cadet training, and issued the States with what is now known as the .310 Martini Cadet Rifle. These employed the Francotte Patent, and were made in the UK by both Greener and B.S.A. Differing from the .310 Westley Richards Cadet rifle by employed the Francotte patent martini action, the Greener and BSA Cadets can be found carrying the markings of any of the Australian states. The BSA Cadets were produced in two patterns, the 2nd pattern as per this item, carrying the more elaborate rear sight with protecting ears for the range and windage adjusting screws. In all other aspects, it is essentially the same as the 1st pattern and the Greener Cadet, excepting of course the BSA stampings to the receiver. All three models are marked 'COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA' on the R.H. side of the receiver and carry the kangaroo monogram on the top of the knox form. This item is stamped for use by the Victoria military forces. The models were phased out in 1921 when the cadet forces began being issued with the standard Australian military Lee Enfield rifles.
Physical Description
Australian Service rifle, B.S.A Cadet Martini, 2nd pattern, cal. .310in., steel rifled (five groove) round barrel, 62.40cm long. Francotte's Patent Martini falling block single shot breech loading action, steel triggerguard, loading lever, foreend and butt plate with very good original blueing to all metal components. Barleycorn foresight with clip-on protector, graduated rear sight with protecting ears. Two sling swivels.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Australian Army, 1957
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Manufacturer
Birmingham Small Arms Co (BSA), Birmingham, England, Great Britain, 1910 or later
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User
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Inscriptions
Stamped on L.H.side of receiver: MADE BY THE BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS Co LTD/ TRADE MARKS/ BSA Stamped on L.H.side of receiver with BSA trade mark Stamped on R.H. side of receiver: COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Stamped on R.H. side of receiver: 59039 (serial number); N.S.W.; 24.223 Stamped on knox form top with Birmingham proofmark Stamped on knox form top with kangaroo Stamped on barrel top: 'MADE BY THE BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS Co LTD'. Stamped on L.H. side of barrel: E (Enfield rifling?) Stamped on R.H. side of barrel: 59039 (serial number), 310 12-120 (calibre size) Stamped on R.H.side of stock: C.M.F. (Citizen Military Forces); N.S.W.; 24.223; 10 (cancellation stamp) 11
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Model Name or Number
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Brand Names
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
102.1 cm (Length), 4 cm (Width), 19.3 cm (Height)
Barrel length: 62.40cm
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Keywords
Rifles & Muskets: Australian, Rifles & Muskets: British, Rifles & Muskets: Military, Innovation & Design, Militia Forces, Cadets