Original British P-1885 Martini-Henry MkIV Rifle Pattern A – Cleaned and Complete Condition Original Items

Original Item: Part of our exclusive discovery of antique firearms in the royal palace of Nepal. The great success of the P-1871 Martini Henry Short Lever Rifle had only been marred by the occasional difficulty experienced with the ejection of the spent cartridge from powder residue fouling the chamber.

The solution was the introduction of the P-1885 “long lever” model that provided great leverage for case extraction. In front line service for only three years when it was superseded by the .303 cal P-1888 magazine Rifle the P-1885 Martini saw principal use in Britain’s overseas colonial empire.

Official documentation tells us that approximately 22,000 Pattern A MkIV Martini Henry rifles were ever produced, making this the most rare model of them all.

Approximate MKIV Production numbers:

Pattern A- 22,000

Pattern B- 40,000

Pattern C- 100,000

Every MKIV Martini-Henry rifle bears a date within the 1880’s.

Martini Henry Pattern A is a conversion of the Enfield Martini MK1.

Unique Features

1) Barleycorn on block front sight

2) Short knocks-form with a small blanking panel fitted

3) Additional “V” stamped to receiver and stock

4) Two rows of proofing marks under barrel

5) Re-configured block with E-M marking

Below copy is courtesy of martinihenry-

On 15th Sept 1887, the first conversion was offered and the sealed pattern laid of the new MkIV rifle, a mongrel adaption of the existing Enfield Martini Mk1 pattern A. Gone was the safety catch and the quick loader, indeed all the Enfield Martini Pattern A, receivers had to be scrapped as the existing drill holes and boring rendered them unfit for conversion. Those barrels already in production, or fitted to arms were, re-bored and re-rifled with traditional Henry rifling at Enfield and Sparkbrook. The completed re-assembled arm required a re-proof of the barrels integrity, testimony to this action, two distinct lines of proof markings, firstly the .402″ then the latter .450″ proof.

The success of enhanced extraction of the longer lever of the Enfield-Martini Pattern B rifle was readily adopted for all MkIV patterns, those existing Enfield-Martini A pattern walnut stocks required the brass stock cup re-siting to correspond with the long levers’ tip. The process required a fresh recess hole to be drilled and the cup re-set. A purpose made wooden plug was glued into the hole completing the process. As the stocks were all removed there is no consistency as which stock was fitted to A or B pattern, so they will be found on any pattern. Wherever possible the old components were re-used, and the “E-M” designation originally marked on many of the parts betrays today its original pedigree often scored through thus: E-M . The A pattern trigger assembly, designed to accept the E-M’s safety was reamed to remove the original configuration, whilst Receivers and butt stocks of the old pattern had an extra Roman numeral “V” stamped alongside the original “I”, whilst newly made but un-used components have a distinctive “IV” classification. A new pattern clearing rod, designed to spring into place and to be suitable with use of the new steel jag was installed and the nosecap was redesigned, however it was decided to retain to old pattern Barleycorn on Block foresight on the pattern “A”.

The “buckhorn” rear battle sight of the Enfield Martini was removed and a small panel was brazed into place on to repair the knocks form, to complete the aiming adjustment, conventional .450″ black powder graduated sighting leaf from the MkIII was fitted., The new MkIV was re-stocked with the old MkIII pattern fore-wood and the traditional side fixed bayonet bar was re-installed, whilst the Enfield Martini’s wooden hand guard was dispensed with in the process.

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1884-1889
Caliber: .577/450 Martini-Henry
Ammunition Type: Center Fire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 inches
Overall Length: 49 Inches
Action: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: “Cleaned and Complete” antique guns are often cleaned to order, so these may 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.