837

British Martini-Henry Mark IV Infantry Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:300.00 USD
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Antique British Martini-Henry Action Mark IV Fullstock Infantry Rifle, by BSA, with leather sling, NVSN, .577/450 CF cal., 33'' barrel with block-blade front and adjustable sliding leaf rear sights and two proofmarks at breech; blued steel receiver with distinctive ''thumbprint'' at right rear and operating lever that opens the dropping-block action (designed by American Henry O. Peabody) for cartridge loading/extraction/cleaning, marked on top ''S.X'' (strengthened extractor) and on right side ''(large crown)/V.R./B.S.A. & M. Co./1889/(crown)/Broad Arrow/IL/2''; blued steel triggerguard with front sling swivel; two steel barrel bands (front with sling swivel below and integral bayonet lug on right side); straight steel buttplate; slotted tulip-head ramrod; oil-finished two-piece hardwood stocks having numerous unit and other markings on butt. Condition is very good, the barrel with an overall bluish-brown patina and scattered light roughness, the receiver and triggerguard with perhaps 50% blue, the breechblock with most original blue, the buttplate dark and with moderate erosion. Stocks are solid with a long but secure crack at top wrist, numerous scrapes and dings from military use, and the aforementioned unit markings. Lower band is rusted and a likely replacement. Action is smooth and crisp; bore is clean with deep heptagonal rifling. Russet leather sling is very good showing light age and use. Est.: $600-$900. (Antique)