Original British P-1871 Martini-Henry MkII Short Lever Rifle – Cleaned and Unmarked Original Items

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.

These “unmarked” rifles have been fully cleaned but may have minor defects. They have not had the same intensive restoration as our “cleaned & complete” offerings but are far superior (in cleanliness terms) to our “untouched offerings”.

What does “unmarked” mean? Well, every one of these Martini-Henry rifle’s once had a date on the receiver plate with a manufactures name, designation and “crown over VR”. However, for whatever reason, age, over cleaning, intentional removal of markings, the receiver markings are very faint or totally missing. Most other markings such as proof marks on the barrel should be present.

This is an opportunity to get a true British made Martini-Henry MkII at a discount from our typical offerings. Very few available (fewer than 10).

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1871-1881
Caliber: .577/450 Martini-Henry
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 are not be available for same-day expedited shipping. International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.