*British, Enfield 1887 Mark 1V Martini Henry Action Long Lever Service Rifle, .577/.450 inch calibre, Obsolete Calibre*
An exceptional British WD 1887 Martini-Henry Mk IV Rifle. Dated 1887 and chambered in .577/450. Made by Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield. Single shot lever action marked Crown over VR ENFIELD 1887 IV I with clear inspection and WD marks on all parts. Famously employed during the Zulu Wars, the Martini-Henry rifle is one of the best known British service rifles. The rifle utilised a falling block, self-cocking, lever operated, single-shot action. The first design of this type of falling-block action is credited to the American Henry Peabody, but, for British service, the improvements initially patented by Swede Freidrich von Martini in 1868 were taken up in a rifle utilising a design close to that of his 1871 Patent. The first Martini adopted for service in the British and colonial armies was the Martini Henry Mark I, which entered service in June of 1871. There were an additional three main variations of the Martini-Henry Rifle: the Mark II, III and IV. The Mark IV was produced from 1888 to 1889, but some examples like this one are seen with 1886 and 1887 dates. These weapons were converted from early Enfield-Martini Mark I’s. The simple and robust breach loading mechanism was ideal for infantry use.
The Mk IV Martini action has a longer loading lever then the earlier models. It has its original woodwork throughout. It has a flip up ladder rear sight calibrated for 100, 200, 300 and 400 yards, plain fore-sight, steel fore-end nose-cap, ram-rod, bayonet lug, steel butt plate and sling swivels. The barrel has WD inspection / proof marks. The right-hand-side of the action body, showing the falling-block fulchrum-pin top left, and the ‘tear-drop’ cocking indicator that allows the firer to check, by feel alone, whether or not the action is cocked.
Marked on right Lock Plate: “large Crown Cypher, over “V.R.”, over “Enfield”, over “1887.”, over Crown Cypher War Arrow, over “IV”, over “1””
Marked on Left lock plate: “Crown over V.R. over crossed flags over 2.P.” next to “Crown over E over 6”
Marked on Barrel: “PAK 72”.
Inspection Marks on right of barrel: “Crown over E over 63, Crown over E over 51, Crown over E over 40, Crown over E over 15 and a large R.”
Marked lengthwise along right of barrel: “Logo over NP. 450/577 2 32″ 44 G.R.S N.C.- 480 G.R.S”
Marked on Left of barrel: “Crown Cypher over V.R. Over 1.P (indistinct)”, over “Crown over E over 6”, over “Crossed Flags over 2.P.”, Over “Crown over E over 6”, over “War Arrow over WD”
Marked on Sight with a “War Arrow over WD”
Marked underneath trigger lever: “War Arrow Over WD over Crown Over E Over 29 over E.M”
Marked on trigger guard “Crown over E over 69”
Marked on trigger with a “War Arrow” and on obverse “Crown over E over 42”
Marked on forward trigger plate: “War Arrow over WD over Crown over E over 58 (slightly indistinct) over III”
Marked on 1st Barrel Band: “War arrow over WD over Crown over E over 82”
Marked on 2nd Barrel Band: “War arrow over WD over Crown over E over 82 over E.M”
Marked on stock (burnt in) “1601”
Marked on top Butt plate: “War Arrow over WD over Crown over E”
Marked on Butt: “E.M”
Note: The WD war department mark was only used from 1856 to 1895.
Approximate measurements: 82cm, 32 1/8″ barrel, 125cm 49″ overall
*Condition*
This rifle cocks and dry fires and is in excellent condition. The wood has the knocks, bumps and bruises consistent with age and service use and has a wonderful patina. This lovely rifle is chambered in an obsolete calibre and can therefore be owned live without any form of license. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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