Martini-Henry

[ mahr-tee-nee-hen-ree ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Martini-Henry¹

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

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

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

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

From Newsweek

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