Martini Henry Carbine.

[Frank Rabbets]

I wonder if someone could help decipher the marks on the brass disc in the butt of my recently bought MH.

I cannot see how to load a picture here but the disc reads.

3
1894
V.1.DT.A
101

Now the 1's are either 1's or l's as they are in the same font.

[Vossie]

I am no expert but V is for volunteer
DT is usually The Dorset regiment, A could be for artillery

1894 is the issue date to the unit, March (3rd month), of 1894.

V 1 DTA is the unit, it means 1st The Dorest Regiment Artillery Volunteers, maybe not in that order.

But this is a best guess from what I have found in the past.

[450 Martini]

I assume this is a mark II artillery Carbine. These were modified from full length infantry rifles in the 1890's to give the crews manning Britain's fixed defences a short carbine for defence. In the early 20th century many of these were deactivated with a saw cut through the chamber and a shortened firing pin then given to various youth and cadet groups for drill practice.
Vossie is correct the disc denotes this arm was issued in March 1894 to the 1st Dorsetshire Artillery Volunteers. 101 is the rack number.
This particular unit manned the fixed defences around Portland harbour.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Dorse ... Volunteers

[Frank Rabbets]

Thank you so much.