{"product_id":"original-nepalese-p-1878-francotte-martini-experimental-pattern-rifle-with-cocking-indicator","title":"Original Nepalese P-1878 Francotte Martini Experimental Pattern Rifle with Cocking Indicator","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: One-of-a-kind. This is just great! Only a handful of these were ever made, possibly only two! It is an experimental design built by the Gurkha master gun makers of Nepal and deviates from the standard Nepalese 1878 pattern Francotte martini rifle in that it has a cocking indicator. The cocking indicator was an integral component of the British Martini-Henry rifle. We believe this was an attempt to improve on both the standard Francotte system and the British Martini-Henry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe standard Francotte system allowed the entire action to \"drop\" out the receiver for cleaning and repair but it lacked a cocking indicator that made it difficult for soldiers to tell if their gun was loaded and ready to fire. As a safety precaution the British added a cocking indicator to their design but this didn't allow for the action to withdraw from the receiver in one piece. By adding a cocking indicator, that does not penetrate the rest of the action, to this experimental Francotte the Nepalese improved on both designs, yes, they were very accomplished gun makers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle is in good condition, and the action functions well, cycling and dry firing. The bore shows the correct Henry pattern rifling, which is still clear.This rifle is perhaps only one of two surviving examples on earth of this unique improvement, making it extremely rare and important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory of the Francotte rifle:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: 1890s\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .577\/450 Martini–Henry\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 33 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 49 3\/4 Inches\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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31459385507909,"sku":"ON11081","price":1250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ON11081__01.jpg?v=1594333388","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-nepalese-p-1878-francotte-martini-experimental-pattern-rifle-with-cocking-indicator","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}