Zulu Era Martini Henry MKI under lever rifle, dated 1872

This is an early production Martini Henry MKI under lever rifle, dated 1872 and chambered in .450/577 obsolete calibre. This rifle is from only the second year of production and originally started life as a Mark I before being upgrade to a Mark II as part of the British military improvements to the Martini action. The Martini first entered into service in 1871 with the British army. During the Martini-Henry period in service the British army were involved in a large number of colonial wars, most notably the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, where this type of Martini was most famously used during the battle at Rorke's Drift. It also saw service in WWI in a variety of roles, including being used by aircrews for attempting to shoot down observation balloons and other aircraft. With the introduction of the bolt action rifle Britain then sold and supplied stocks of its Martini's to colonial forces with many be supplied to India and Nepal. This example bears various Arsenal roundal and date stamps along with unit markings (four of which have been struck out) acquired during its extensive service life indicate this rifle was issued at least 5 times as a first and second class weapon. Extensively stamped with lots of Military War Department stamps (WD) and chambered in an obsolete calibre it can be owned live without any form of license. Remarkable it still has matching numbers to the receiver, barrel and bolt, and the barrel is date 12/72 - December 1872.

The bore is in very good condition. The rifle has a full working action and can be cocked, stripped and dry fired. Comes fitted with an original cleaning rod.

It is not deactivated in any way and is being sold as a collectors piece only.