Item Description
Original Item: Very Few Available. ALL SALES FINAL; 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.
We 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.
We 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.
Each 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.
The only parts that we will guarantee you will receive are:
- Barrel
- Receiver (Empty)
- Rear and Fore Stocks
- All other parts are luck of the draw. These are essentially "barreled receivers" with stocks.
The 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 slight variations in the style.
Feel 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.
Specifications:-
Years of Manufacture: circa 1890
Caliber: .577/450 Martini-Henry
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 33 inches
Overall Length: 49 1/2
Action type: Lever Action Falling Block (Missing)
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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon