Original Belgian Manufactured Muscat Martini-Henry Cavalry Carbine with Trigger Safety – Serial 3784 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Not British although it follows the British Cavalry Carbine design, this is a Belgian made carbine for the Islamic market of the Middle East. The top of the barrel is marked PREMIÈRE QUALITE behind the rear sight, and next to that the top of the nocks form is marked

MARTINI
MASCATE

The barrel is also serial numbered 3784 on the left hand side of the nocks form. The action on both sides and along the top of the barrel has been decoratively engraved and features Arabic writing on the left side plate.

Condition is very good, especially considering the age. The action still cycles and dry fires, with a strong mainspring. The bore still shows clear rifling, though it is worn and somewhat oxidized. The Carbine also still retains a cleaning rod, though it looks like it is a replacement or modified, with one end threaded and the other turned into a flathead screwdriver. The stock looks good, though as with the rest of the rifle, it shows significant wear.

Martinis built or engraved for the Muscat market are almost always Belgian, although surplus British Martinis were imported as well, and they are usually well-made. In fact, Martinis seem to be one of the firearms which fared quite well in the Belgian trade – as compared with such firearms as their notorious “Belgian bridge” Navy Colt copies, or copies of the break-open .44 Smith and Wessons, which depended on more delicate parts than the European military revolvers. “Mascate”, sometimes used, is just the French form of “Muscat”. They were made in similar numbers for countries such as Persia too.

The wiggly lines to break up barrel reflection is a common factor on most of these guns, the ladder rear sight is often removed and replaced with a little brass fixed peep-sight, soldered to the barrel immediately in front of the action. However, this example retains its original ladder sight. Another notable feature is a trigger safety that when engaged prevents the shooter from dropping the lever in order to load or pull the trigger for firing once loaded.

Very unusual, very short and ideal for use while riding a Camel!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: circa 1895
Caliber: .577/450 Martini–Henry
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 21 Inches
Overall Length: 37 3/4 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Falling Block
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.