Another Interesting Rook Rifle - "Folding Martini" - Marietta Dumoulin Freres - 44 Shotgun w/ Travel Case

Hello All,

Here is another very interesting Rook Rifle in my collection. (actually a 44 cal shotgun) It still has its original 1916 Redhead Leather Travel Case. The travel case is dated June 20, 1916. Amazingly, the case still has its original key for the locking strap. (as though that would stop a thief)

This dainty little gun weighs only a tad over 3-1/2 pounds. It has a very Unique Folding Martini action, making it simple to clean. This may account for why it still has a mirror bright bore from end-to-end.

Here are the specs:

3 lbs 9-1/2 oz - Octagon to Round 22-1/8" Barrel - 13-5/8" LOP

Although the pictures don't show it, the gun still retains about 75% silvered case color on the receiver, and 90% original blue on the barrel. The previous owner; W.K.SMITH, carved his name into the left side of the stock just behind the receiver. It also has an "optimistic"
Hard Rubber Butt Plate showing a pair of Flying Ducks.

As always, comments are welcome.


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Now that is an elegant tool for keeping the rabbits out of the carrot patch. Have you shot it?

Now there's something you won't see every day - a folding Martini! Astonishing! And very cute in a wry, sophisticated beamish way ...

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Now that is an elegant tool for keeping the rabbits out of the carrot patch. Have you shot it?

Hello Bill/Oregon,
Thanks for the reply.

Yes ... I have shot it. I use 44-40 cases and I load them with a paper shot capsule that I make myself.

I make a capsule by wrapping a 1-3/4" square piece of paper around a steel mandrel. (shown in the cartridge box) Then I fill it with 200g of #7-1/2 shot and load it as shown.

Very good results!

That is a very fine pattern indeed for that range.

Does it work as either a break action or a martini? I remember reading of such a critter! A true privilege to see one, Thank you, Sir.

quote:

Originally posted by gwahir:
Does it work as either a break action or a martini? I remember reading of such a critter! A true privilege to see one, Thank you, Sir.

Hellogwahir,
Thanks for the reply.

It is a standard Martini Action for shooting - and a break action also. Break action is great for storage and cleaning. You can load it from the break action position also because the extractor ears will slip behind the cartridge rim when closing from the break action position with a cartridge in place in the chamber. see the picture below the caption; "Folding Martini Action" - You can see the ejector ears in the action and the clearances (left and right) in the bottom and sides of the chamber.

That is a darn interesting little shotgun!

Thank you for sharing.

quote:

Originally posted by wildmansix:
That is a darn interesting little shotgun!

Thank you for sharing.

Hello wildmansix,
Thanks for the reply.

Here's an update. I decided to do a chamber cast. I discovered the gun is actually a 410ga with a 2" chamber. I examined all the markings more closely and found a tiny 410-50 mark. The 50 is 50mm which equates to a 2" chamber. This will make reloading much simpler. I edited the original picture to show the 2" cartridge options at the bottom.
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When I was running the annual Rook rifle shoot at Bisley ten or more years ago someone turned up with .410 calibre 2" chamber Rook rifle, complete with rear sight. He fired a round ball load and got very good groups.

He then modestly put it back in its case and I have never seen him since...

Do try a round ball loading and let us know!

HB

quote:

Originally posted by HistoricBore:
When I was running the annual Rook rifle shoot at Bisley ten or more years ago someone turned up with .410 calibre 2" chamber Rook rifle, complete with rear sight. He fired a round ball load and got very good groups.

He then modestly put it back in its case and I have never seen him since...

Do try a round ball loading and let us know!

HB

Hello HistoricBore,
Thanks for the reply.

If I can find my 40 cal ball mold I'll give it a try.

Buck, is your piece choked ?
I have a nice little rook converted to 410 that is choked. Making my search for a slug load problematic.
Thanks for sharing all your acquisitions.
Larry

quote:

Originally posted by ChiefR53:
Buck, is your piece choked ?
I have a nice little rook converted to 410 that is choked. Making my search for a slug load problematic.
Thanks for sharing all your acquisitions.
Larry

Hello ChiefR53,
Thanks for the reply.

Yes, its choked. If you can get your hands on a hollow base 410 slug mold, it should shoot fairly well.

An interesting but silly design. I just can't see that it offers anything but complexity over the traditional break open.

quote:

Originally posted by asdf:
An interesting but silly design. I just can't see that it offers anything but complexity over the traditional break open.

Hello asdf,
Thanks for the reply.

Simply an "improvement" to the Martini design, as it allows for easy cleaning.