1911 BSA Australian Martini Cadet Rifle – Issued to CMF, New South Wales.
Serial #22486, originally .310 Greener, converted to .32-20 after US import.

History:
The falling block, single-shot .310 Martini rifle and cartridge were developed by British gun-maker W.W. Greener to establish civilian marksmanship training in England at the turn of the 20th century. It looked much like a scaled-down Martini-Henry rifle. Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) was the major producer. BSA was awarded an Australian contract to produce upwards of 80,000 .310 Greener rifles from 1911 to 1913 for training of the Civilian Military Forces. In the mid-1950s, Australia sold these rifles as military surplus to the US, where many gun dealers converted them to the more available .32-20 cartridge, and coined the “Cadet” name.

Description:
This is a historical gem of a small rifle, with great provenance. I have owned it since the early 1960s, when import markings did not exist. The clear, original markings on the right side of the rifle stock, from top to bottom, provide a history lesson:
“C.M.F.” >> Citizen Military Forces established in 1901 (when the Commonwealth of Australia was formed) as the country's primary military reserve force. In 1911 the CMF were expanded under the Universal Training Scheme (UTS).
“N.S.W.” >>New South Wales, the State in which the rifle was issued.
“11.036” >>NSW's CMF Issue number for the rifle.
“7/11” >>July 1911 CMF Issue date. Thus this rifle was part of the initial BSA contract, at the start of Australia's UTS.
BSA Serial #22486 matching on receiver and barrel. NSW CMF Issue #11.036 matching on receiver and rifle stock. Thus all major components are as fitted originally to the rifle. Kangaroo stamped on top of receiver identifies an Australian contract rifle. Barrel stamp “*** 32.20” identifies the cartridge conversion. Barrel is also stamped with proof test symbol and “ + 310 12 – 120 Made by the Birmingham Small Arms Co Ltd”, which verifies the barrel's originality.

In general the rifle is in good to very good condition, with some minor scratches and handling dents in the wood (no damage) and intact finish on the metal. The falling block action is tight and positive, with the cocked indicator fully functional. The trigger pull is very crisp. Barrel length 24-1/2”. Overall length 40-1/4”.

Accessories:
The rifle comes with a leather sling that I added many decades ago. Also included : a correctly sized, soft-sided gun case.

Prefer a simple face-to-face cash sale in Aiken, SC, on a standard SC Gun Bill of Sale. Might consider shipment to FFL03, or to FFL01 who will accept USPS Ground Advantage shipment from a FFL03. Purchaser to pay actual cost of shipment/insurance. No interest in trades.