Martini Henry MK4 Rifle Dated 1886

This is a lovely condition obsolete cailbre, Enfield Martini Henry MKIV (4) under lever rifle dated 1886 and chambered in the mighty .577/450. It is covered in lots of War department (WD) and broad arrow stamps to all parts. Although the Mark IV was produced from 1888 to 1889, some examples are seen with 1886 and 1887 dates. The reason for the early dates is that these weapons were converted from early Enfield-Martini Mark I's. This rifle being one of them. The number 1 below the MKIV designation denotes that this was a 1st class rifle and would have been issued to front line troops. The stocks markings indicate that it was in service in 1908 with coloniel forces and went through the Madras Arsenal. Martini rifles, like this one are being captured and brought back from Afghanistan where many are still in use by the Taliban today.