Original Item: Very Few Available. A recent warehouse cleanup and full sorting of our remaining stock has allowed IMA to once again offer examples of this Nepalese Martini-Henry variant as an affordable clean it yourself untouched rifle!

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 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 Nepalese Gurkha examples were found in military storage in their homeland of Nepal. Each rifle is offered totally AS FOUND, or in AS IS condition, completely un-cleaned and un-refurbished. The only service performed has been to ensure none are still loaded!

Totally covered and caked with dried 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 complete but no guarantees as to what use or damage may be found after more than 100 years of neglect and storage. We photographed a typical example but no two will be exactly alike.

The Martini-Henry MKII Short Lever rifle saw tremendous and valiant service in the British army worldwide, its most famous appearance being in the ZULU WARS of 1879 memorialized in Hollywood films, countless books and articles over the years. This particular Francotte variant of the Martini-Henry rifle was used by the Gurkha detachments mostly in the Indian sub-continent in the late 19th century.

What does "Untouched Grade 2 Condition" mean? OK, this is exactly what we are offering: Genuine pre-1899 Nepalese manufactured M-1878 Martini-Henry Francotte Pattern Rifles that have 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.

This offering is "GRADE 2", which is definitely a bit less in condition than the previous untouched offerings we have had. These are pretty much the last examples that we will be able to offer.

However, EVERY M-1878 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 gun purchase price will be refunded to you, however the customer will pay shipping both ways. We can not exchange guns and will not get into an exchange situation, so please do not ask.

We are not trying to sell you an incomplete weapon and then sell you the missing parts. We will do our best to make sure it is complete as possible. One day we will also sell replacement parts, but that is in the distant future. We are not trying to frustrate you; we are trying to fill a void in the marketplace for genuine but affordable rare and unique antique weapons so that collectors and historians of all backgrounds can enjoy a genuine part of history.

These should be viewed as "project" or "parts" guns, work on it with your son or grandson, clean it up, hang it over your mantle, or don't clean it, they are impressive anyway you seem them. The price is affordable; the history is priceless.

If you want to shoot it, DON'T! If you still want to shoot it, take it to a licensed GUNSMITH first. These are 100+ year-old hand made guns, be very careful, we sell 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.

Specifications:-

Years of Manufacture: circa 1885
Caliber: .577/450 Martini–Henry
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 33 Inches
Overall Length: 49 3/4 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot 

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.