*British, 1880 Enfield Martini-Henry I.C.1 Carbine, Dated 1880, Indian-Nepalese Service Marks, Obsolete Calibre*
Marked on RHS Lock plate (Faint): VR over Enfield over 1880 over Crown over War Arrow, IC1
Marked on LHS Lock Plate: War Arrow and Inverted War Arrow (Sold out of service marks)
Marked on RHS of Barrel: Multiple Inspection marks – Crown/E
Marked on Top of Barrel: S.X. for Strengthened Extractor and Back to back R
Marked on LHS of Barrel: Sold out of service marks, Inspection Marks Crown over indistinct
Marked on RHS Stock: Riddings, 2136, Coy 27, Sold out of service marks, over an Indian/Nepalese roundel, above the Chandra marking (Boxed image of a rifle)
Marked on LHS Stock: 27, 910 over 8
Marked on Trigger Lever: War Arrow over WD over Crown
Marked on Trigger: Crown over indistinct
Marked on Barrel Band: War Arrow over WD over Crown over E over indistinct
Measures 95.3cm overall
This Martini-Henry carbine features a sighted barrel with proof, inspection, and multiple ‘sold out of service’ markings. It has a dropping block lever action, a large cocking indicator, and is stamped on the lock plate with ‘VR / ENFIELD / 1880’. Very faintly we can discern the letters I.C.1. – I.C.1 means “Interchangeable Carbine Mark 1”. The receiver is marked with ‘S.X.’ indicating a Strengthened Extractor. The stock bears the inscription “Riddings, 2136, Coy 27,” where “Coy 27” likely denotes a specific military unit. The markings “Coy” and “Riddings” are placed over sold-out-of-service symbols, with the latter over an Indian/Nepalese roundel. The stock also features the “Chandra” marking (a boxed image of a rifle), signifying usage by Indian or Nepalese troops post-British service. The carbine is complete with two barrel bands and a cleaning rod.
Notably used during the Zulu Wars, the Martini-Henry is one of the most famous British service rifles, operating via a falling block, self-cocking, lever-action mechanism. Although the original falling block design came from American Henry Peabody, it was Swede Friedrich von Martini’s 1868 improvements that were incorporated into the British version. The Martini-Henry Mark I entered service in 1871. Formally adopted in 1877, the I.C.1 Martini Henry was formally designated the “Arms Interchangeable, Carbine Breech loading Rifle, with clearing rod Martini Henry Mk1”. It was primarily for use by British Garrison and Field Artillery units and regiments. The word “interchangeable” refers to its use for both the artillery and cavalry services, instead of needing a separate design for each, as was typical of military forces at the time. The IC1 designation stands for Interchangeable Carbine MK1.
Martini-Henry rifles were delivered in large numbers to Nepal from 1906 to 1909 after becoming largely obsolete for British frontline service due to the introduction of magazine-fed rifles. Once destined for Nepalese service, these rifles were often re-stamped with serial numbers and the “Chandra” cartouche. The rifles were shipped in three batches after receiving these marks.
*Condition*
This carbine cocks and dry fires and is in good condition. The metal parts are pitted. The wood has the knocks, bumps and bruises consistent with age and service use and has a wonderful patina. There have been some repairs to the wooden part of barrel. 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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