Antique 1887 "Zulu War" British Martini Henry Mk Iv/1 Long Lever Rifle
SKU: BRITISH MARTINI HENRY MK Iv,1 LONG LEVER RIFLE
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Enfield
Date Manufactured: 1887
Model: MARTINI HENRY MK Iv,1 LONG LEVER
Serial Number: 545.
Caliber: .577-450
Capacity: Single
Barrel Length: 33-1/4"
Total Length: 49 Inches
Weight: 8 lb 9 oz
Action: Lever Action Falling Block
Rate of fire:
Effective firing range: 500 Yards
Elevation Setting:
Feed system: Single Shot
Condition: Good
Price: $1400.00
Seller Type: Classification: C&R / FFL
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: 750
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description:
SERIAL NUMBER: 545. BARREL: 33-1/4". CALIBER: .577-450. MANUFACTURED: 1887. Made by Enfield, with "crown/VR" stamp on the left side of the frame, with "IV/1" marked as well. Various British proofs on the chamber. Various unit markings on the right side of the butt, with a "RAWALPINDI" arsenal cartouche as well. No Nepalese markings on, or around the rear sight. No import markings found either. Blade front sight and 1300-meter rear ladder. Arsenal blued finish and oiled wood stock. Original clearing rod and period brown leather sling as well. CONDITION: Metal is good overall, with general wear and mixed gray patina. Wood has normal dents, scratches and scrapes. Bore is frosted, with good overall rifling. Mechanically fine. Sling has light wear and crazing.
History
Zulu War British Army Martini-Henry Rifle
The Martini-Henry rifle stands as a legendary firearm of the British Empire that saw extensive use during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. British infantry received this rifle during their colonial expansion period, and it became a decisive weapon in battles including Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift while soldiers both admired its power and identified its limitations.
Key Features:
- Model: Martini-Henry Mk II (common during the Zulu War)
- Caliber:.577/450 Boxer cartridge (a bottlenecked black powder round)
- Action: Single-shot, falling-block (Martini action)
- Barrel Length: Approximately 33 inches
- Overall Length: Around 49 inches
- Weight: 8.5 to 9 pounds (unloaded)
- Rate of Fire: Around 10–12 rounds per minute by a trained soldier Historical Significance:
- Adopted by the British Army in 1871, replacing the Snider-Enfield.
- Used extensively during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War, especially in the hands of British regulars and colonial units.
- At Rorke’s Drift, a small British force used Martini-Henry rifles to repel repeated Zulu attacks in a legendary 12-hour siege.
- At Isandlwana, many soldiers were armed with the Martini-Henry, but logistical issues and tactical missteps contributed to one of Britain’s worst defeats. Tactical Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Powerful round with excellent stopping power at long range.
- Durable and rugged design suited to harsh environments.
- Simple and relatively fast to reload for its time.
Cons:
- Single-shot limited rate of fire against massed enemy charges.
- Prone to fouling due to black powder residue in tropical conditions.
- Heat buildup could cause extraction issues after extended firing.
