British Martini-Henry 1877 MkII Rifle (original)

SKU: BRITISH MARTINI HENRY 1877 MKII RIFLE

Original/Reproduction: Original

Availability: In-Stock

Manufacture: Enfield

Date Manufactured: 1877

Specifications:

Caliber: .577/450 Martini-Henry

Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge

Barrel Length: 32 inches

Overall Length: 49 Inches

Action type: Lever Action Falling Block

Feed System: Single Shot

Specifications (Bayonet):

Blade Length: 20 1/2″

Blade Style: T-shaped

Overall length: 25 1/4″

Crossguard: 4”

Scabbard Length: 22″

Condition: Good

Price: $800.00

Seller ID: JMW

Seller Code: 650

Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.

 

Description 

Original British P-1877 Martini-Henry MkII Short Lever Rifle. Zulu War isued date. After the war this weapon was sold to the afghanistan millitary. It was brought to the United States in the early 1900’s. This rifle has be fired in May of 2024 and certified safe to shoot.

 

History

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.

The Martini–Henry is a breech-loading single-shot rifle with a lever action that was used by the British Army. It first entered service in 1871, eventually replacing the Snider–Enfield, a muzzle-loader converted to the cartridge system. Martini–Henry variants were used throughout the British Empire for 47 years. 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.