Original Afghan “Khyber Pass” Copy of a British Martini-Enfield .303 Artillery Carbine – circa 1895 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. These are often encountered today, due to the U.S Military’s involvement with Afghanistan. Traditionally the British converted .450/.577 Martini Rifles to .303 caliber, but in this case, possibly in Northern India by the Khyber Pass, this little carbine was locally manufactured probably entirely by hand. 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”. 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.

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 looks to have been refinished and possibly remarked recently, and now has a very nice blued finish and a lovely look to the woodwork. It has simulated British proof marks in many areas, and there were even new markings added to the right side of the receiver:

(CROWN)
V·R
ENFIELD
1895
(Arrow)
EED

Inspection shows that this is definitely the wrong font for the period, and there are other issues as well that mean it was definitely not British assembled. It is very possible that British parts were used during construction, as some parts definitely look to be of superior workmanship than others. They may have been harvested from weapons left behind or captured over the years.

The metal used on these is definitely not the same quality as British Steel, and the bore is fairly worn, though it does show relatively clear rifling. The action moves correctly, with the extractor presenting when opened, and it does have a crisp dry fire when the trigger is pulled.

Already 125 years old and rated “ANTIQUE”. With the attractive stock and refinished metalwork, this will make a great wall hanger. Ready to display! 

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1896
Caliber:  .303 British
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 21 Inches
Overall Length: 37 Inches
Action type: Falling-Block
Feed System: Single Shot