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Single shot small bore Martini action rifles were made from 1900 although larger caliber rifles also made on the Martini principle were made much earlier. It is not known exactly when production of Martini small bore rifles ceased but it was before 1965. Tens of thousands were made and Greener has the production records for those made between 1900 and 1909, about 20,000 rifles. Most were fairly plain with no engraving apart from the name W W Greener which was usually engraved on the side of the action. Some had engine turned engraving and better models had some scroll and other engraving.
At auction in the UK the plain Miniature Club rifles usually fetch between £100 - £250 depending on condition, with better models fetching more but usually not more than £2,000 for a nice engraved example in one of the less common calibers; .297/230, .297/250, .300, .310 or .320.
Information courtesy of Graham N. Greener.
Models (3)
MINIATURE SERVICE RIFLES
Greener manufactured miniature service rifles modeled on original Martini service rifles and were similar in appearance, feel and weight to the service equivalent, but in .22, .279 or .230 calibers. Conforming to the NRA class of 'Military Miniatures' these models were popular with clubs having outdoor ranges up to 100 yards. A better quality rifle with extra sights, figured stock and forend was the 'Queens Cup Winner' rifle (Model MS 8). It was using a rifle of this type that Mr A.G. Banks won the Queens Cup competition at Bisley. W.W. Greener said, "The Blue Riband of the Miniature Rifle World," and so he named this better quality rifle as the Queens Cup Winner grade. Other models included the MS 90 and MS 55.
SHARPSHOOTERS CLUB RIFLES
These were the first club rifles made from 1900, in .310 caliber and several variants were produced. This was the least expensive rifle produced for club shooting and was designed both for target practice and match shooting. Models included the M 42, M 63, and the Cadet.
MINIATURE CLUB RIFLES
A variety of miniature club rifles were produced for indoor shooting at short ranges. Models included the M 52, MS 63, M 84, and the M 110 Ladies Model. After the first World War, the fourth grading system for single barrel rifles was modified to indicate the cost of the gun in guineas, or to the nearest pound sterling. The top miniature rifle was now the Kings Cup Winner which derived its name from the King's Cup, a trophy presented by His Majesty King George V to the Metropolitan Police Force, and won by a competitor who used a rifle of this type. Models included the MS 12, MS 8, MR 7, MR 6, MR 5, and the MS 3.