Martini Henry MKII under rifle chambered in .577 by W. Atkinson, Lancaster & Kendal

This is a rare Martini Henry MKII under rifle chambered in .577 that was made & retailed by W. Atkinson, Lancaster & Kendal. William Atkinson was born in 1850 in Lancaster and was a gun & fishing tackle maker from 1881-1901 supplying quality firearms. This rare MK2 is beleived to have been produced for used by the local militaria, yeomanry or reserve units. The barrel has British proof and the military acceptance "Crown over 1 B" . The chequered butt plate is a rare MKI example and the forward barrel band/bayonet attachment is War Depatment and Broad Arrow stamped.