Original Item: The Martini-Henry MkII rifle is best known for its use in the Zulu War at the Battle of Rorke’s Drift on 22nd January 1879. This battle was the iconic defense of the mission station by a small force of British and colonial troops; which saw a record award of Victoria Crosses and restored the faith of Victorian Britain in the Army.
IMA’s Martini-Henry MkII Rifles come straight from our exclusive discovery of arms in the royal palace of Nepal. The Martini-Henry is probably the most famous military rifle of the Victorian era incorporating the early short lever with 33″ barrel in the new .45 caliber. This was the first manufactured breech loader to be adopted for general issue by the British Army. Internationally known for its role in the movies “Zulu” and “Zulu Dawn” it should be noted that at the Battle of Isandhlnana in January 1879 where the British lost its entire command of 1300 men, the Zulu’s suffered in excess of 2000 casualties. Followed by the memorable action at Rorke’s Drift, the Martini Henry Rifle more than any other represents British Colonial rule during the Victorian era.
Every “cleaned & complete” rifle we sell has been taking fully apart, carefully cleaned, preserved, and rebuilt replacing any worn or broken parts by a master antique gunsmith.
Every Martini-Henry bears a date in the 1870’s (Dates vary within…
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