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Antique British Martini-Henry Mk III Service Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:250.00 USD
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Antique British Martini-Henry Mk III ''Short Lever'' Service Rifle, by Enfield Arsenal, with bayonet and sling, NVSN, .577/450 cal., 33'' barrel, with block-blade front and sliding-leaf rear sights, marked with numerous proofmarks including the ''(broad arrow)/WD'' at breech; receiver with distinctive ''thumbprint'' on top-right, has the same and additional marks at left-side juncture with barrel, and a large ''(crown)/V.R.'' over ''Enfield./1882'' over ''(crown)/V'' over ''III/L'' on right side; serpentine lever when lowered opens the dropping-block action for cartridge loading/extraction/cleaning; two steel barrel bands (both with ''(broad arrow)/WD'' proofmarks, the top band with arrow-shaped side bayonet lug and sling swivel); iron nosecap and slotted, button-tip ramrod. English hardwood stocks bear various marks including a circular Enfield cartouche and ''500R'' on right-side butt. Condition is good: the barrel, receiver and triggerguard retain approx. 50% deep black-blue, which is likely an arsenal refinish over scattered light pitting and rust; lever, buttplate and bands (all having ''(broad arrow)/WD'' proofmarks) are ''arsenal bright''. Stocks are sound with clear markings, have the expected dings from military use, a 1''x1/2'' wood patch at butt, a likely later coat of thin varnish, and a pleasing light color. Action is strong; bore is clean with deep rifling. Bayonet (with various marks at ricasso) shows cleaned light pitting; leather scabbard is sound with scattered age cracking; buff leather sling and bayonet frog are modern reproductions. Entering service in 1871 after replacing the Snider-Enfield, Martini-Henry variants served throughout the British Empire for the next 47 years. Est.: $500-$700. (Antique)