Item Description
Original Item: 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.
IMA's Martini-Henry MkII Rifles come straight from our exclusive discovery of arms in the royal palace of Nepal. 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.
Every "cleaned & complete" rifle we sell has been taking fully apart, carefully cleaned, preserved, and rebuilt replacing any worn or broken parts by a master antique gunsmith.
Every Martini-Henry bears a date in the 1870's (Dates vary within the 1870's). Manufactures vary- most common types are BSA and Enfield.
Bayonet and scabbard are not included, but are available separately.
Specifications-
Years of Manufacture: 1871-1879
Caliber: .577/450 Martini-Henry
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 inches
Overall Length: 49 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot
NOTE: "Cleaned and Complete" antique guns are often cleaned to order, so these may not be available for same-day expedited shipping. Domestic orders of this item must be shipped UPS and are sent signature required. International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
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The most exciting purchase I've made in years!
Getting a Martini Henry has been a lifelong dream and I couldn't be happier with the process and result getting one from IMA (like many I watched the movie "Zulu" with Michael Caine as a kid and ever since then was fascinated with Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift and the Martini Henry rifle). The one I received is a Mark II from 1873 with the engraving clear and legible (as were the series of British proof marks on the barrel) - the wood furniture was solid without any cracks or fills (my example also had very small bit of writing in Devanagari/ Nepali script about 1-2 centimeters in size - possibly a rack number - which gave it's history an even more tangible layer) - the metal was in very good condition with mild cosmetic pitting in one or two places, all parts were present and the mechanism worked smoothly without any issues. It is the most exciting purchase I've made in a long time and I highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in the Victorian Era, British military history, or early cartridge firearms should consider getting one
Martini-Henry Rifle
The items I received are of EXCEPTIONAL quality. Better than I expected. I could not be happier with them. For anyone wondering if this is a good company, stop wondering they are awesome.
Love it
It is beautiful. I cannot wait to shoot it.
Zulu
Excellent Pride of place on my wall by a zulu poster. Dr A
Martini Henry MkII
The gun was well worth the wait! I appreciate the attention to the details in selecting a gun in good shape! The gun came via UPS, and was wrapped very well and protected. I would definitely buy more items from IMA in the future. thank you for the good service!
Original British P-1871 Martini-Henry MkII Short Lever Rifle (1881's Dated)
I am having Original British P-1871 Martini-Henry MkII Short Lever Rifle (1881's Dated) Its available with me in nice & original condition in pakistan, Anyone interested to buy this antique piece Pl, do contact me through G-mail. Thebaran11111@gmail.com
Martini Henry
Excellent rifle, good working order. Barrel and receiver both matching dated 1875.
Made in 1872, looks brand new
IMA, I can't be more impressed with my new MK II. I can't believe that this gun is over 150 years old. The furniture is almost immaculate. The bore is near mint. It's almost like it just came out of an arsenal refit. Thank you for offering such a wonderful product. To all those collectors out there, this is definitely worth your hard-earned money.
Martini Henry Short Lever
Customer Service was very good. Delivery time was just what they said it would be. Front forearm wood was replaced. Butt stock was off of a Mk. IV. My only issue other than the butt stock was the bore was filthy.
Martini-Henry MkII
I finally received my MkII, and oh man, the wait was worth it! The rifle I received is dated 1876 and it is in pristine condition; there's near to no pitting anywhere on the metalwork, only a few near the muzzle alongside the original bluing being mostly present still. The wood has a gorgeous cherry red hue to it and is, too, in pristine condition. The bore has a nice sheen to it, and about 95% of the rifling is still intact, with the 5% being slight pitting. Overall, the rifle I've received is an absolute beaut, and I'm very pleased with IMA's professional work in restoring this old war horse.