Videos tagged with Neil Aspinshaw

This video, "The Untold Story of the Martini-Henry (Part Two)", delves into the conclusion of the Martini-Henry rifle's history, focusing on the experimental .402 calibre variant. Experts Neil Aspinshaw and Jonathan Ferguson discuss the rifle's promises and problems, rising costs, lessons learned from troop feedback and the Sudan campaigns, and controversies surrounding jamming and cartridge cases. The episode also covers the Enfield-Martini Second Pattern .402", foreign competition, the rise of the Lee rifle, conversions, and details on the Martini-Henry Mk.IV Pattern A and B, concluding with the rifle's legacy. The content is presented by the Royal Armouries.

This video delves into the fascinating history and technical evolution of the Martini-Henry rifle, specifically focusing on the experimental .402" calibre variants. Hosted by experts Neil Aspinshaw, author of "The Martini-Henry: For Queen and Empire," and Jonathan Ferguson, the episode explores the reasons behind the caliber reduction from .450", the issues the British Army faced with the earlier models after conflicts like the Zulu, Afghan, and Sudan campaigns, and how close these "improved" versions came to replacing the standard service rifle. It covers specific patterns like the 1881, 1883, and 1886, discussing improvements in sights (including the new hanging sight), ad-hoc safeties, rifling, and the bayonet scandal of 1884. The discussion also touches upon the 'perfected' Enfield Martini and the Enfield Quick Loader. This is presented as Part One of a two-part series.

This video provides a book review of "The Martini-Henry: For Queen and Empire" by Neil Aspinshaw. The reviewer highlights the author's successful balance between technical details and historical context, making the development of the Martini-Henry rifle an engaging story. It covers the rifle's use by British troops globally, its evolution, and addresses common myths surrounding the weapon. The review also mentions the Martini-Enfield as a fascinating, though ultimately superseded, development. The book is recommended for those interested in the Victorian British Empire and the Martini firearm family.