Original Items: Only One Set Available. The Martini-Henry MkII rifle is best known for its use in the Zulu War at the Battle of Rorke's Drift on 22nd January 1879. This battle was the iconic defense of the mission station by a small force of British and colonial troops; which saw a record award of Victoria Crosses and restored the faith of Victorian Britain in the Army.

This Martini-Henry MkII Rifles came straight from our exclusive discovery of arms in the royal palace of Nepal, and bears the correct N . S / N E P marking on the left side of the barrel under the rear sight, as well as Nepalese Devanagari arsenal markings. The Martini-Henry is probably the most famous military rifle of the Victorian era incorporating the early short lever with 33" barrel in the new .45 caliber. This was the first manufactured breech loader 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.

This example was purchased at a recent military auction, and is most likely one sold years ago, when the British made P-1876 Bayonets and scabbards were still plentiful. It has a great aged look, and the markings on the right side of the receiver are still fully retained:

The royal cypher Crown over V.R. stands for for Victoria Regina. Well, this Queen, who reigned for almost 64 years, had an influence far beyond the British Isles and the British Empire during the Nineteenth Century. Victorian morals dominated the cultured classes of Great Britain and the new United States, and even now, in the Twenty-First Century, nostalgic organizations such as the Victorian Riflemen thrive in the former Colonies. Below this is the date of manufacture, 1885, and next the "Lock Viewer's" marking. Below this is II., or the "Mark of Arm", for a MkII "Short Lever" Martini-Henry Rifle. While this version had officially stopped military production in 1881, it was still produced under contract for years later, particularly for export to parts of the colonial empire, such as Nepal. there are the correct inspection markings on various parts of the rifle, including proofs on just about every metal component, exactly as there should be.

Overall condition of the rifle is very nice, with the original finish on the metalwork worn to a nice plum and gray patina, and the stock wood still in solid condition, with no major damage such a cracks or chunks missing. We can see a few bits of wood filler, but it's definitely a great example, with no major deterioration around the fore stock pins. The butt stock even has some great markings on the right side, and there is also a plugged hole on the bottom, so the stock was actually from a Martini Henry MkI. This type of parts swapping was very common in the Nepalese armory, as well as before they were originally delivered. Both sling swivels are still present and move easily, and the cleaning rod is in great shape, with intact threads. The rear sight also is fully functional, with the slider still relatively tight on the leaf.

We checked the action, and it cycles well, with the ejector presenting correctly when the lever is pulled down, though we do not know if it can still eject a spent cartridge. It dry fires correctly, with the long cocking indicator movie correctly, though we cannot see if the striker is still intact. We checked the bore, and the polygonal rifling is still in great shape, showing some light past fouling in the grooves, but no major oxidation or other damage. Please note that this type of rifling, designed so that black powder residue could be easily cleaned off, does not look like standard cut rifling used today.

The included P-1876 bayonet is in very good shape, still locking correctly onto the front of the barrel, and has a date of 1 '83 on the ricasso, along with the correct maker markings and proofs. It comes with an original British made scabbard, which has original British issue markings as well as Nepalese. It is in good shape, though there is a repair to the leather where the end fitting is attached, very common to see.

A lovely example of a Martini-Henry MkII rifle, complete with an original bayonet and scabbard, ready to add to your collection and display! We have not seen any this nice for quite some time!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1885
Caliber: .577/450 Martini-Henry
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 33.22 inches
Overall Length: 49 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 21 1/2"
Blade Style: Triangular Socket
Socket Length: 3"
Overall length: 25"
Scabbard Length: 22"

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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 possess, 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.

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