Another Fudd for the Forum

[Kiwi Sapper]

The interest in old soldiers, as I call them, has increased in step with advancing age. Most have some connection with an old friend that I have lost contact with or has left the planet.............

Ah....... Each one being a most tangible bond with an old friend.When you handle them no doubt memories of their previous owner are recalled. I envy you as all have faceless owners without any memories i would like to recall.

.......... Probably the most interesting is my Martini Enfield which is marked with the NZ broad arrow and 98 so has probably been to South Africa. I got it years back in poor condition. The barrel was shot and the fore end had been cut back. It now has a .30 cal light target barrel and is chambered for .30-40 Krag. It also has a scope mounted on the barrel and high so you can still load it. It shoots well................................

Ye gods. so many transformations, Zulu wars, Boer Wars (both of them?? and perhaps , being Krag, Peking 1900 and the Boxer Uprising? And now scoped......? Pity it can't talk............Perhaps just as well as she may never stop talking.

............. All of the shoot able old soldiers get taken for a ritual walk in the hills from time to time including the Martini. ........

As they all should... Keep the memories of their previous owners alive for as long as you are alive.