{"product_id":"original-m-1878-martini-henry-francotte-pattern-short-lever-infantry-rifle-untouched-parts-gun","title":"Original M-1878 Martini-Henry Francotte Pattern Short Lever Infantry Rifle: Untouched Parts Gun","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Very Few Available. \u003cstrong\u003eALL SALES FINAL\u003c\/strong\u003e; no returns, refunds or exchanges. In 1878 the Francotte patent Martini System was granted utilizing a detachable mechanism fitted without the Cocking Indicator. Revolutionary at the time by compartmentalizing the mechanism for quick disassembly, it only lasted 10 years as the latest technology. It was replaced in 1888 by the .303 cal Lee Metford bolt action Rifle's introduction into the British Military System. Although the British never embraced this European improvement, these \"Improved System Rifles\" saw much service on frontiers all over the World. These Gurkha made examples were found in Military Storage in their homeland of Nepal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe call these HALF RIFLES or PARTS GUNS because that's just what they are, all the butts and various other parts are gone, blown off in combat if you like. We repeat, however, these remains are genuine remains and date from the late 1800s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have had many requests to sell these incomplete, broken, battlefield pickup rifles so that they can be stripped down, used for parts, rebuilt, etc... Well, we listened, and have just a few of these available again, after an exhaustive inventory of our remaining Nepal Cache guns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Rifle is offered totally AS IS condition, completely un-cleaned, incomplete and un-refurbished. The only service performed has been to ensure none are still loaded! Totally covered and caked with dried on grease, dirt and rust, these can be displayed as found or be the subject of winter nights of TLC to restore them to their former glory. All appear to be roughly 75% complete but no guarantees as to what use or damage may be found after more than 100 years of neglect and storage. These are the typical detailed photographs but no two will be alike. This is a very rare opportunity to own a significant piece of military history that greatly affected wars on three continents at a very special discounted price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe only parts that we will guarantee you will receive are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Barrel \u003cbr\u003e- Action (might be incomplete)\u003cbr\u003e- All other parts are luck of the draw. These are essentially \"barreled actions\".\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photographs on our website represent typical examples of what you can expect to receive. There were several different patterns of these guns, so there may be variations in the action style. We will not be able to honor any requests for specific patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeel free to request a part that you need but please do not purchase this \"PARTS GUN\" if you are not prepared to risk that you might not get it. Again do not purchase this gun if you are not prepared to lose the purchase price and shipping cost as ALL SALES ARE FINAL. A VERY LIMITED SUPPLY. Don't bother to request internal parts, as we will not be \"opening\" the rifles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: circa 1890\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .577\/450 Martini-Henry\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 33 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: Varies\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Lever Action Falling Block\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40561309024325,"sku":"NB1040","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/NB1040B__01.jpg?v=1681748490","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-m-1878-martini-henry-francotte-pattern-short-lever-infantry-rifle-untouched-parts-gun","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}