Original British Henry’s Patent Falling Block Rifle by N.A. & A. Co. dated 1877 and issued to N.S.W. – Serial 468 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Alexander Henry of Edinburg, Scotland, was one of the most famous British Gun Smiths of the 19th Century. He was responsible for the RIFLING in the British Martini Henry Infantry Rifle of 1871, and had various other patented designs. The Martini changed the World especially as far as the British Empire was concerned. However Alexander Henry’s rifle was NOT adopted as the standard small arm of the British Army, and his own falling block rifle was too late for the massive Government Contracts. However, his followers still found markets for his Rifle throughout the Empire especially in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa.

Here we have an original Henry’s Patent single shot rifle featuring its external hammer on the left side so as not the interfere with the reloading using a “falling block”, system activated by a lever directly under the trigger guard. The rifle is marked HENRY’S PATENT on the left side of the frame, while the right side has the maker and date information:

N.A. & A. Co Ld
1877

National Arms and Ammunition Company Ltd. was a private company founded in the 1870s by Westley Richards, mainly to produce the Martini-Henry rifle, and other Henry-Patent related items. They manufactured Martini-Henry rifles under contract to the British Government, as well as other firearms. It was relatively short lived, and operated various factories, many of which continued on their own after the company was broken up.

A splendid rifle in full military trim, showing the excellent Henry Rifling in the barrel in fine condition. There are British Birmingham proof marks on the right side of the barrel, as well as serial number 468. The right side of the butt stock still has an intact National Arms Rondel with an 1877 date. Stamped over this is N.S.W. / H 47, indicating that this rifle was issued in New South Wales Australia, which at that time was still a Penal Colony. It was most likely issued to guards.

Rare and in a very desirable condition, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1877
Caliber: .577/.450 Martini-Henry
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 34 inches 
Overall Length: 51 inches
Action: Lever Action Falling Block with Back Action Lock
Feed System: Single Shot

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