Martini-Henry

American  

[mahr-tee-nee-hen-ree] / mɑrˈti niˈhɛn ri /

noun

1. a breech-loaded .45 caliber rifle adopted in 1871 as the standard British service weapon, using a center-fire metallic cartridge filled with black powder.

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Etymology

Origin of Martini-Henry

After Swiss inventor Friedrich von Martini (1833–97), who designed the breech mechanism, and B. T. Henry ( see Henry), who designed the barrel

Example Sentences

A modification by a Swiss designer, Friedrich von Martini, made his Martini-Henry rifle faster and easier to reload, pushing the rate of fire up to eight to 10 shots per minute.

From Slate • Oct. 24, 2019

When Britain adopted the Martini-Henry in 1871, Anthony seized the opportunity to market his similar product to the other great European powers.

From Slate • Oct. 24, 2019

You might have heard that the first martini is named after Martini & Rossi vermouth or the Martini-Henry rifle or that it was mixed by a New York bartender named Martini di Arma di Taggia.

From Slate • Mar. 14, 2013

Early on 1st January 1915, the two-man army packed into the ice-chest a Snider-Enfield, which Gool had bought for £5, and a Martini-Henry breech-loader with a long steel barrel.

From Newsweek

As a weapon of precision the Snider is perhaps preferable to the Martini-Henry; but, of course, this is matter of opinion.

From Hints on the Use and Handling of Firearms Generally, and the Revolver in Particular by Curling, Lieut. H. Onslow