*Australian, WWI, BSA Martini Cadet Rifle in .310 Cadet, Dated 26.9.1914, Marked Commonwealth of Australia, N.S.W., Obsolete Calibre*
An excellent and complete example of the Birmingham Small Arms Co. Ltd. Martini Cadet Rifle, chambered for the .310 Cadet (Greener) cartridge — an obsolete calibre under UK law. This single-shot, falling-block rifle retains its full-length walnut military stock with steel buttplate, barrel band, and sling swivels, and is fitted with the correct BSA pattern adjustable ladder rear sight and fixed front blade.
The receiver is crisply stamped:
“COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA / N.S.W. / 26.9.14 / 67704”,
denoting New South Wales contract issue dated 26 September 1914. The opposite side bears the BSA stacked rifles trade mark and full maker’s legend:
“MADE BY THE BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS CO LTD / TRADE MARKS BSA.”
Matching serial number 67704 is present on receiver and barrel. The barrel top is marked “Crown over BM + .310 12–12C”, the Birmingham definitive proof for rifled arms, confirming calibre and bore gauge. Additional Crown/BM proofs are repeated on the chamber and receiver flats. The sight base carries patent stamps PAT. 22681–05 / P. PAT. 8419–10, referring to BSA’s 1905 and 1910 sight mechanism designs.
The kangaroo acceptance mark is visible at the knox form — the official Commonwealth inspection stamp applied after Australian acceptance.
Measurements: Overall length: 101.5 cm (40 in.). Barrel length: 62.4 cm (24½ in.). Calibre: .310 Cadet (obsolete)
Historical Note:
The Martini Cadet Rifle was commissioned by the newly federated Commonwealth of Australia for use by the Australian Cadet Corps, the youth military training organisation established under the Defence Act of 1903. To equip school and college cadet units nationwide, contracts were placed with Birmingham Small Arms Co. Ltd. (BSA) from 1909 to 1918, resulting in the production of approximately 110,000–120,000 rifles.
All were built in England, proofed at the Birmingham Proof House, and then shipped to Australia, where they were inspected and marked with the distinctive kangaroo acceptance mark. Each state received rifles marked to its own issue, such as N.S.W., Victoria, or Queensland.
The .310 Cadet cartridge, developed by W.W. Greener, offered light recoil and moderate range — ideal for teaching marksmanship and drill. These rifles remained in cadet service through the First World War and into the interwar period, many later being sold or converted to sporting use.
This example, dated 26 September 1914, represents an early Commonwealth contract at the outbreak of the Great War, retaining all its original configuration and markings.
*Condition*
Excellent overall condition. Smooth patinated metal surfaces with clear, deep markings throughout. Stock with minor service wear and small period arsenal repair behind the receiver. All fittings present, including swivels and sights. Mechanically sound with strong action and clean bore showing good rifling. Chambered in .310 Cadet, an obsolete calibre under UK Antique Firearms Regulations. Classified as a Section 58 antique firearm — no licence required for ownership as a curio or display piece. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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