Item Description
Original Item: One of a Kind. The Martini-Henry MkII rifle is best known for its use in the Zulu War at the Battle of Rorke's Drift on 22nd January 1879. This battle was the iconic defense of the mission station by a small force of British and colonial troops; which saw a record award of Victoria Crosses and restored the faith of Victorian Britain in the Army.
The Martini-Henry is probably the most famous military rifle of the Victorian era incorporating the early short lever with 33" barrel in the new .45 caliber. This was the first manufactured breech loader to be adopted for general issue by the British Army. Internationally known for its role in the movies "Zulu" and "Zulu Dawn" it should be noted that at the Battle of Isandhlnana in January 1879 where the British lost its entire command of 1300 men, the Zulu's suffered in excess of 2000 casualties. Followed by the memorable action at Rorke's Drift, the Martini Henry Rifle more than any other represents British Colonial rule during the Victorian era.
These are often encountered today, due to the U.S Military’s involvement with Afghanistan. During the 19th Century Anglo-Afghan wars, British long arms were inevitably left behind, and during the 2nd Anglo-Afghan war of 1878–1880, the standard long arm of the British Army was the .577/.450 Martini-Henry Rifle. These were then kept for over a century, and in many areas were still among the most modern weapons available. They were however often heavily decorated with engraving on the metalwork, and the stocks were replaced or decorated as well. Over the years, parts were often swapped out, either with British or locally made spare parts available.
This example definitely looks to be of British manufacturer, as the lock markings are correct, and extremely well executed. The right side of the rear sight however is marked with the number 500 several times in a row, while the latter is unquestionably British. We have considered that this could possibly be a "Kabul Arsenal" produced example, or at least was serviced there at some point. For more information on this arsenal please see this example we had previously listed here: Kabul Arsenal Type 4 Carbine.
Many U.S. G.I.'s purchased weapons such as these when deployed in KABUL over the last 20 years, and shipped them home to the United States as War Trophies. This example was purchased directly from a Veteran of the War in Afghanistan, who brought this back in 2018, and comes with a copy of the original bring back documentation.
The Martini action, adopted by the British in 1871 was one of the strongest ever developed and saw military service in England and the Empire, in one form or another for almost seventy years. The most famous action of course being the defense of Rorke's Drift in Natal, South Africa in the 1879 Zulu War. They saw extensive use all over the British Empire.
This example was heavily decorated in Afghanistan, and now is covered with engraving on both sides of the receiver, as well as on the top. These did however avoid the receiver markings, which read:
(CROWN)
V.R
ENFIELD
1878
(Viewed Mark)
II
This would indicate production in 1878 at the Royal Small Arms factory at Enfield Lock, England. There are lots of other British proofs present, as well as some that are definitely made to look like British proofs, so the rifle may have been 'dressed up' to make it more appealing. Definitely some very interesting history to this rifle!
The rifle is overall in very good condition, with the metalwork showing a gray steel patina from decades of cleaning, and it also looks like the engraving work was done sometime during the 20th century. The bone inlays that cover the stock are excellent, and very well executed. It must have taken an extensive amount of hand work to achieve the amount of decoration on this rifle. We checked the bore, and clear "Henry" style rifling is still visible, though there is also past fouling and oxidation. The action opens correctly, but not far enough for the ejector to present. It does dock and dry fire but we would definitely consider this a rifle to be used for DISPLAY ONLY.
This rifle was brought back from Afghanistan by Kenneth D. Harris of Vancouver, Washington. It comes with a copy of the original bring-back forms, with the AFFADAVIT listing the rifle as an Enfield "Martini-Henry" Rifle, manufactured in 1878. MARTINI-HENRY, and 1871 (model). It is properly signed and U.S. ARMY notarized, and also included is the customs declaration dated 2019.
A very interesting piece of firearms history. Ready research and display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1878
Caliber: .577/450 Martini-Henry
Barrel Length: 33 inches
Overall Length: 49 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot
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