Item Description
Original Item: These are genuine British manufactured Martini-Henry Rifle Barreled Action (stripped) which originate from our 2003 acquisition of historical firearms from the palace of Lagan Silekhana in Katmandu, Nepal. None of these rifles is a "Khyber Pass" fake or forgery that currently flood the market today. These are genuine British Made Victorian Era issue.
Each of these UNMARKED MKII British Manufactured Martini-Henry rifles was refinished at some point during its life, in some cases multiple times, and therefore many markings have been worn down or even erased. In general, there are some British markings visible and the receiver will nearly always be blank. To avoid unhappy customers please assume that you will get a barrel and receiver with no markings whatsoever, better to be happily surprised than sadly disappointed. Each of these Martini-Henry MKII was manufactured sometime between 1871-1889 but will not have a visible date on the receiver. All will have correct British made barrels which will be attached to a Martini-Henry stripped action (receiver). To reiterate, you are only getting the barrel and receiver frame. No internal parts will be included but all/most parts are available separately.
The Martini-Henry is probably the most famous military rifle of the Victorian era, incorporating the early short lever with 33" barrel in .577/450 caliber. This was the first manufactured breech loading rifle to be adopted for general issue by the British Army. Internationally known for its role in the movies "Zulu" and "Zulu Dawn" it should be noted that at the Battle of Isandhlnana in January 1879 where the British lost its entire command of 1300 men, the Zulu's suffered in excess of 2000 casualties. Followed by the memorable action at Rorke's Drift, the Martini Henry Rifle more than any other represents British Colonial rule during the Victorian era.
What does "Untouched Condition" mean? OK, this is exactly what we are offering: Genuine pre-1898 British manufactured Martini-Henry Rifle barrels with a stripped action that laid undisturbed for well over 100 years in far from perfect storage conditions in the Old Palace of Lagan Silekhana in Katmandu, Nepal. Our DVD of "TREASURE IS WHERE YOU FIND IT" shows these very weapons as we found them and the story behind them.
What you will get:
- Action (stripped)
- Barrel
Typical Condition:
- Will show rust and pitting
- Will be covered in filth
However, every British Short Lever Martini-Henry Barrel with Stripped Action will be 100% genuine! We ask you to look closely at the photographs, the example photographed here is a typical gun that could expect to receive, read reviews, both good and bad, and only then place an order understanding what you are likely to receive. We want educated aware customers. If it isn't what you expect, that is fine, return it (before you attempt any restoration) and the full purchase price will be refunded to you, however, the customer will pay shipping both ways.
If you want to shoot it, DON'T! If you still want to shoot it, take it to a licensed GUNSMITH. These are 100+ year-old guns, be very careful, IMA sells these for display purposes only, they are not intended to be fired. Please buy our products, but do read the reviews and descriptions first. We feel you will agree that the recovery of old weapons from Nepal was a milestone for the collecting fraternity and we hope you enjoy a genuine antique weapon that has never been touched by any other collector than you.
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
- IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to posses, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in live condition. They are sold as collector’s items or as wall hangers. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon