Hi All

I just bought a rifle from the US and want to find out a little more about it.

What I know so far from Purdey:-

Dear Mr. Rowe

Thank you for your email. The rifle you have purchased is a Martini action, which we appear to have brought in from the Birmingham trade, as indicated by the proof marks and the B under crossed pennants, which I believe is the mark of the Braendlin Armoury, seen in a shield on top of the action. From memory I believe it is quite early, as the safety-catch was not in use for very long, and this might be backed up by the number '1617', which would be the usage number of the patent (ie. This was the 1617 rifle built on this patent by that company). If there is a serial number on there, perhaps either in the 10,000 or 11,000 range, or beginning with an A, then I may be able to link it to a buyer. From the address and the markings, I believe it dates to the first half of the 1870s, but could be any date up until 1883, when we left Oxford Street for our current address.

I hope this is of use, but if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Nicholas Harlow
Gun Sales Team

James Purdey & Sons Ltd.
DDI: +44 (0) 20 3428 2120
Mobile: +44 (0) 7435 414837
www.purdey.com

What I'd like to know:-

There is one marking which is A11, does that mean anything?

Do I need to pull the rifle apart to find a serial number, it would be unusual to not to mark it?

Can you tell me if it is a mk1 or mk2 by looking at it?

What was it used for?

Is it rare and what could it be worth?

Is the 56 on top worth noting...I haven't fired it yet?

Thanks for any ideas you have!

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