TOPIC:

Monotonous work: loading Colt Gun ammunition belts.

The guns themselves appear to have been removed from their carriages, and are presumably stowed in the waterproofed-canvas cases that can be seen on the far sides of the gun-shields.




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I own a relic-condition Martini Henry (based on my research, probably a MKII) which was dug up at some point at Grey College, Bloemfontein. The story behind this piece is that it, along with Grey college's cadet and shooting club armouries, was burned, broken and buried by the Union Defence Force in 1914 to avoid these weapons from falling into Afrikaner rebel hands. Which makes my rifle particularly interesting is the fact that it appears to have a MKIV long lever.

The visible markings on this rifle, provide some information as to its service life. A C/|\G, Cape Government, show that this rifle started its life in South Africa likely before the 2nd Anglo-Boer War.
I believe K.T is a unit marking, particularly to the Kimberley Township town gaurd, meaning it hopefully saw service during the 2nd Anglo Boer war. The Union Defence Force stamp is also present on this rifle, and what appears to be a "Condemnation mark" ( a stamp used on rifles to show that they were obsolete) which explains the shortened barrel ( around 51.9 cm or 20.3 iches).
The shortening of the barrel was done for the cadets.

The damage dealt to this rifle by the UDF included having its front sight knocked off and the stock being sawed in half.

To get to the point, how would a MKIV lever get on such a rifle, and when would MKIVs have come into South Africa. Did MKIVs see service in the 2nd Anglo Boer war?

Thank you;
J.I.W







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The rifle is of course fully deactivated, with a welded action and drilled barrel.

Kaapse Rebel,
the K.T stamp is well known, and as far as I know it is often on Cape Govt arms but not on Natal, Tvl or OVS arms. It's too numerous for Kimberley Town Guard; suggestions have been that it's 'Krygskor Tender' ( disproved) or Kingwilliams Town arsenal (no proof). I think K = Kaap but T is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma...
As far as Mk IVs in SA, I am not an expert, but seem to recall they were imported in small quantities, I can't recall seeing them in ABW photos. My Mk IV has SRG (Southern Rhodesia Govt) and UDF stamps.

The Martini Henry Mk IV is not particularly uncommon in South Africa. I have four. However, none of mine have South African markings. This probably suggests that most of those now encountered were commercial imports.

I have seen a photo of a black Blockhouse Guard posing with what is obviously a Mk IV. Perhaps these rifles were issued to them?.

I appreciate everybody's valuable information.