Original Item: These are genuine British Manufactured Martini-Henry Rifles from our 2003 acquisition of historical firearms from the palace of Lagan Silekhana in Katmandu, Nepal. None of these rifles is a “Khyber Pass” fake or forgery that currently flood the market today. These are genuine British Made Victorian Issue: the real deal and now offered for the first time in “Untouched Condition” at a fabulous price!
These 1880’s dated Martini-Henry is less expensive then our 1870’s dated version for two reasons: 1- Generally not in as good condition as the 1870’s dated Short Levers. 2-Manufactured after the two most famous battles (Isandhlnana and Rorke’s Drift, South Africa 1879) both of which first showcased the power of the British Martini-Henry to the world.
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 breechloader 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…
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