Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice example of a First Model Gahendra Martini rifle, purchased at a recent private military auction. This is one of many acquired in 2003 from the Palace of Lagan Silekhana, which functioned as the Royal Armory of Nepal. This example was cleaned and restored, however we do not know if this was a an untouched example, or one we restored years ago. It comes complete with the correct socket bayonet.

This particular Early Model known as the FIRST MODEL GEHENDRA, was last made in the late 1880s. Once Great Britain started supplying Short Lever Mark 2 Martini Rifles in 1894, Gahendra production essentially stopped. There were some "improved" Second Model rifles made after this, but they were very few in number. These were followed by Long Lever Mark 4 Martini Henry Rifles in 1904 and 1908.

This particular example of the FIRST MODEL, and is offered in very good condition. It operates correctly, with a functional ejector, and a strong dry fire. The bore is in great shape with clear rifling. Please note that the "Henry" style rifling is polygonal, so it does not look like modern rifling. The metalwork shows a lovely aged patina, while the stock has a lovely red brown color. There is no major damage we can see, though there is a chunk missing from the left side of the fore stock where it meets the receiver.

The included socket bayonet mounts correctly to the front of the rifle, with the securing ring rotating correctly into place. It shows past pitting in some areas, now cleaned away, giving it a great aged look.

In lovely condition and ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Years of Manufacture: 1880s-1894
Caliber: .577/450 Martini–Henry
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 33 Inches
Overall Length: 49 1/2 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 21 1/4"
Blade Style: Triangular
Socket Length: 3"
Overall length: 24 7/8” 

More on the Gahendra Martini Rifle:

Based on an 1869 Westley Richards patented design, this unique and extremely rare early breechloading Military Rifle .450/.577 Martini Henry calibre was produced under the direction of General Gahendra Rana in the 1880's to provide Ghurka regiments with what appeared to be the latest British Military Rifle. An ingenious design, it really surpassed the standard Martini in that its entire action was removable as one unit for ease of servicing or exchange.

Production however caused massive logistic problems and by 1894 the Ghurkas were dangerously short of viable .450 cal. breechloaders to face evergrowing threats from the east. Finally the British came to the rescue with a delivery of several thousand Martini short lever rifles in late 1894 and even more long lever Martini Rifles in 1908. The over complicated Gahendra Rifle was thereafter basically shelved, the void in up-to-date arms having been met. Always considered the rarest Martini variety of all, the Gahendra Rifle has a characteristic loading lever but in other respects closely resembles the standard Martini externally. A chance to obtain an extremely rare historical antique rifle that was a close relative of one of the most successful rifle systems of all time.

NOTE: 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.

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.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.