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

The bubble-wrap held two Lee-Enfields and a Martini-Henry, vintage rifles from older Afghan wars.

From Newsweek

Some evidence as to the comparative severity of wounds produced by the larger forms of bullet was, moreover, afforded by the present campaign, since Martini-Henry wounds were occasionally met with.

From Surgical Experiences in South Africa, 1899-1900 Being Mainly a Clinical Study of the Nature and Effects of Injuries Produced by Bullets of Small Calibre by Makins, George Henry