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Although all the .577 inch blanks were approved for use in the Martini Henry, only the Mark IV was introduced specifically for both Snider and Martini Henry. Although shown under the .577 inch Snider page it is repeated here for completeness.
Blank Mark IV
"Cartridge S.A. Blank for Breech-Loading Rifles Mark IV" was approved in August 1872 and shown in LoC Paragraph 2332 dated September 1872. This was the first blank specifically intended for both Snider and Martini Henry arms and the title was changed first in 1877 to "Cartridge S.A. Blank BL Boxer 2 1/2 drams Mark IV" and then again later to "Cartridge S.A. Blank Martini Henry or Snider Mark IV". Earlier marks of blank had the title amended to include "Suitable for Snider and Martini Arms"
The Blank Mark IV had an iron base disc secured to a brass cup into which was riveted a paper case comprising two turns and an
overlap of brown paper and closed with paper.
The charge was 70 grains of loose RFG or LG blackpowder. This was the main difference to the previous mark.
Above: Blank mark IV
Right bundle wrapper for Blank Mark IV made by Eley Bros.in 1893.
A version of the Blank Mark IV , like other Martini Henry coiled ammunition, continued to be made in India well into the Twentieth Century since the police and other militia units used the weapons up to at least the 1930s. This was the "Cartridge S.A. Blank Martini-Henry
or Snider Mark IV I.P.", "I.P>" standing for "India Pattern". The only discernable diference with these rounds is that the case appers to
be made of card rather than paper.
Left: Bundle wrapper for the India pattern Blank Mark IV made at Dum
Dum Arsenal in 1916..
Right: Blank Mark IV India Pattern
Blank Mark IV Converted
"Cartridge S.A. Blank Martini-Henry or Snider Mark IV Converted" was not approved as a separate mark but could differ greatly from the original Blank Mark IV.
The Blank Mark IV Converted could be made from any mark of Snider or Martini-Henry ball round and thus could bw plain brass or paper wrapped. Some martini-Henry cases were crimped at the shoulder whilst others were cut down to just above the powder charge.
The charge of the Blank Mark IV Converted was 70 grains of blackpowder, the type depending on the
original ball cartridge.
Blank Mark IV Converted made from Martini-Henry Ball Mark III round.
Cordite Blank Mark I
One further blank was approved for India. "Cartridge S.A. Blank Martini Henry or Carbine Rolled Case Cordite Mark I" was approvedin June 1892 for service in India and shown in LoC Paragraph 7003 dated March 1893.
Full details are shown on the .45 inch Martini Henry Indian Service page.
Blank for Maxim Guns
Although no blank was officially issued for the .45 inch Maxim gun, examples exist of what may be private purchase ammunition by Volunteer units.
The example shown here was recovered from the ground at an old Volunteer Barracks during redevelopment.
The case is elongated and formed into a mock bullet to enable feeding through a Maxim gun. There is no headstamp.
The charge was blackpowder over which was carded wool and a single cardboard wad, but it was not possible to weigh as so much water had been absorbed by wad and charge.
Extended case blank for Maxim gun.
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