Martini Henry carbine IC1 markings

Posts : 7 Join date : 2024-05-12

Hi all, I have a Martini Henry 1879 IC1 carbine. Im hoping somebody might be able to tell me what the WR21721 imprinted onto the barrel, means. I'm guessing its an issuing number, but help would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: Re: Martini Henry carbine IC1 markings Sat Oct 12, 2024 6:22 pm

The WR number is a "Weapons Register" number which is still used in the licencing process when the firearm concerned has no original serial number or when its number is already on the system in respect of another firearm. I have several in my collection.

Posts : 7 Join date : 2024-05-12

Thank you terrylee for the explanation.

Subject: Re: Martini Henry carbine IC1 markings Sun Oct 13, 2024 10:14 am

Since one of my WR numbered rifles is also an IC1 I'd be interested to establish whether it if from the same South African batch as yours. Mine is marked on the knox-form to the Cape Mounted Rifles. I have another (which has an accepted serial number) which was issued to the Cape Yeomanry. Has yours got a regimental marking?

Posts : 7 Join date : 2024-05-12

There's nothing distinguishable on top of the Knox-form. On the side of the Knox-form (indicator side), there's some pitting but there are some barely visible markings. It looks like a plus sign + over a back to front C, after this there's a M and a P (possibly a R). Its very hard to see even with a jewellery magnifer..

Subject: Re: Martini Henry carbine IC1 markings Sun Oct 13, 2024 1:18 pm

The regimental markings on mine are both hand-struck with the resulting room for error.

A "C" could stand for "Cape" which possibly combined "MR" or "MP" could represent "Cape Mounted Rifles" or "Cape Mounted Police". Both units are recorded. Sadly, this is guess-work!

Posts : 7 Join date : 2024-05-12

Thank you again. I thought I'd found all the markings on my gun. So it was a nice surprise to find another. Do you know if Weapons Registers for the Cape military are available to peruse ?

Subject: Re: Martini Henry carbine IC1 markings Sun Oct 13, 2024 7:09 pm

The WR numbers are part of the present South African national firearms system and would have no connection to the Cape regimental records prior to Union in 1910. Concerning firearms records of units that no longer exist, I have never yet achieved anything! One interesting response indicated that the records of rifle allocation were the responsibility of NCOs and junior officers and these have long since disappeared.

Posts : 7 Join date : 2024-05-12

That's a shame, but I'm pleased that my carbine was possibly in the Cape Colony. Did the Cape Miltary Police/ Regiment see any action during our period against the Zulus, or were they just too far away from it all?

Posts : 7 Join date : 2024-05-12

I need to get my magnifyer out again to see if there's any more marks that I've missed.

Subject: Re: Martini Henry carbine IC1 markings Mon Oct 14, 2024 12:26 pm

The Cape Mounted Rifles did not participate in the Zulu War and the Cape Mounted Police was only formed in 1904. The Mounted Police could, however, have been issued with obsolescent cavalry carbines at that date.

Posts : 7 Join date : 2024-05-12

Thank you, again Terrilee

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