Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins
The second one appears to be Austrian made on the British Martini action. The stamping that looks like a bird with the number "1" on it was an Austrian proof mark, and the crown with a "B" or an "R" under is an old British proof mark, either "blackpowder" or "re-proof".
Anyone and everyone made rifles on the Martini pattern in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kind of like the '98 Mauser some years later. They were very popular as target rifles at the time. I can't tell who made this one from those photos; any other markings?
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Jeff is 100% correct. Caliber is 7.7mmx56R (but before firing, do a chamber cast to ensure that it has not been changed by some previous owner). The engraving style is Germanic so the probable conclusion is a English Martni action, Austrian (most likely Tyrol stocked and engraved) pre-WWI.
Nice period piece.