A Super Condition Martini Henry .410 Shotgun

Originally manufactured by Birmingham Small Arms in the 1870s as a MKI chambered in .577/450,  it was later supplied to Egypt. Once arrived in the Egyptian arsenal at The Citadel in Cairo it was converted to .303 and date stamped accordingly.  During this period, Egypt was of great importance and influence to the British Empire primarily to protect and control the Suez Canal, which was a vitally important supply route for the British Empire. Britain helped arm the Egyptian Army, including supplying them with Martini-Henry rifles. This continued until the end of WW1. From late 1914 until mid-1915, the British force stood on the defensive along the Suez Canal, defeating various Turkish and German attempts to capture or damage the canal. This may explain why the regimental brass disc that is marked to the Royal Artillery "R A".   A very interesting and well traveled little carbine.

This Martini was converted from .303 to .410 and can now be owned as a single shot section 2 shotgun. The condition is outstanding as is the bore.