Book Review: The Martini-Henry: For Queen And Empire

posted on October 9, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
the-martini-henry-for-queen-and-empire-book-review-f.jpg
Author Neil Aspinshaw’s new book—The Martini-Henry: For Queen And Empire—makes a rather bold claim with its subtitle: “The British military Martini-Henry, Martini-Metford and Martini-Enfield Rifles and Carbines: The Definitive History of Their Development and Service, 1869-1904.” But this work really does deliver the goods when it comes to the history of the single-shot breechloader that was the iconic symbol of the British Empire’s remarkable growth and expansion during the second half of the 19th century.

Laid out in a 256-pp. chronology of its development, the reader can follow why, and how, each upgrade was implemented. Interspersed with the sometimes-dry conversation about such things as screw thread dimensions are stirring stories recounting the desperate fighting by the Redcoats across the globe.

The author provides great insight into the organization and operations of the various manufacturing facilities that made, and serviced, these arms. He also details discussions among the men who were directly involved in improving the gun’s design. Included are definitive sections on the bayonets that were both adapted and developed, a “quick” identification guide to all of the subsets of the gun, and a guide to their markings—especially the brass buttstock discs.

Aspinshaw adroitly addresses the vexing issues of the Martinis jamming during various campaigns, as well as the problems encountered with its ammunition and their containers. He puts these problems into their proper historical context, and shows that they cannot be regarded as “scapegoats” for several British army disasters, such as at Isandhlwana and Abu Klea.

Not only is this book a delight for the serious student and collector, it is so well-written that it draws even the most casual reader into the saga of the Martini-Henry family of arms.

Price: $60 plus $7.84 domestic shipping. For more information, contact International Military Antiques at (908) 903-1200 or visit their website at ima-usa.com. Signed and deluxe editions of the book can be ordered from:[email protected].

Latest

Colt-Burgess Rifle
Colt-Burgess Rifle

I Have This Old Gun: Colt-Burgess Rifle

There was a time when firearm manufacturers were primarily known for producing only one specific type of gun. In fact, their fame, reputations and, often, their fortunes hinged upon it.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

The Rifleman Report: The Misrepresented Armed Citizen

Despite what mainstream news outlets would have us believe, most armed citizens are thoughtful, deliberate, responsible Americans whose foremost concerns are the well-being of themselves and their families.

First Breach Ammunition Factory Tour

An ambitious and technically savvy startup embarks on the goal to bring match-grade cartridges to the market at an enviable price—all made in America.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 27, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Development of MIM Cartridge Cases

We recently caught up with Concurrent Technologies to learn more about its latest advancements in metal injection molding (MIM) as it pertains to cartridge case manufacturing.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.