Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. 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. After the conflict possibly in Northern India by the Khyber Pass, this rifle was locally manufactured. Occasionally original British parts were used when acquired, and many parts on this do bear what look to be British marks, but those could also be replicated.
After production, these carbines were then sold to the visiting Afghan tribesmen who came through the pass to trade for what they understood to be "BRITISH MADE WEAPONS". These were then kept in Afghanistan for many years. The markings on this rifle are however definitely very well executed, without the usual spelling mistakes we see, so we have considered that this could possibly be a "Kabul Arsenal" produced example, and not one from the Khyber pass area. We checked the markings, and while incorrect, they are very similar to a Kabul arsenal example we had previously listed here: Kabul Arsenal Type 4 Carbine.
Many U.S. G.I.'s purchased such weapons 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.
NOT A GUN WE WOULD SHOOT, sold for Collection purposes ONLY. It is most likely not made with the correct quality materials, and while cleaning the barrel we definitely noticed that while rifled, some areas of the barrel are definitely slightly wider than others. It has simulated British proof marks in many areas, and there are even replicated markings on the right side of the receiver:
(CROWN)
V.R
ENFIELD
1873
(Viewed Mark)
II
Inspection shows that the markings are definitely too low on the receiver, and the quality of the markings is definitely not correct, particularly the "CROWNED BROAD ARROW" lock viewer's mark. The Roman numeral "II" is also centered under the arrow, which is not correct for a Martini-Henry made in 1873. At the time they were producing mark I Martini-Henry rifles, almost almost of which were later upgraded to the Mark II, resulting in a "mark of arm" that is off center. They are also VERY crisp considering the condition of the side of the receiver, so it is very possible that they are a more recent addition.
The rifle overall shows repeated cleaning of the metalwork, and there is certainly wear in some areas. It does cycle correctly, but there is definitely a lot of slop in the action. The barrel shows rifling, but it is not quite right, and as stated before the bore diameter seems to get bigger in the center of the barrel for about 6 inches, where a cleaning brush does not grip the rifling at all. The stock is in very good shape, and shows some lovely markings, and could very well be from an original British Martini-Henry.
This rifle was brought back from Afghanistan by Craig C. Pearson of South Lyon, Michigan. It comes with a copy of the original bring-back forms, listing the rifle as a MARTINI-HENRY, and 1871 (model). Under "serial number" it is listed as DATED 1873, however we know that is just what is marked on it. The affidavit was notarized 23 MAR 18.
Already 125 years old and rated "ANTIQUE". A very interesting piece of firearms history. Ready research and display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1890
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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- 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 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.
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