Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1343:
Description
British Enfield, Martini-Henry, MKI rifle, cambered in .303 with serial number 2259. First introduced in 1871, it is a single-shot, falling block design that fired .577/450-caliber black-powder cartridges. It remained in service as a front-line weapon until 1899 when it was later replaced with the magazine fed, .303 cartridge, Lee-Metford bolt-action rifles. The MKI was later re-chambered and re-barreled to .303, starting in 1895, and used by reserve troops. The Martini-Henry made notary during the Zulu War in South Africa in 1879. This rifle displays the markings on the left side of the receiver of a crown with “V.R Enfield 1896 M.E. ·303 I.” The right side of the receiver displays the markings of a crown with “V.R Enfield 1881. III”. The receiver, barrel, trigger guard and lever all bear various proof marks. The walnut stock is in good condition, showing handling and storage marks and small chips. The butt of the stock displays the circular Enfield stamp. The 29.5-inch barrel has a fixed front sight and an adjustable folding rear ladder sight. The exterior of the barrel shows pitting near the receiver. All metal parts exhibits remnants of a factory finish, which is worn due to normal use. The bore is clean and has good rifling. The lever action and block move smoothly and tight. The cleaning rod shows oxidation. All markings are clean. The overall length of the rifle is 46 inches. From Donley’s Wild West Town Museum.
S/N: 2259
C&R Eligible
Share this lot:
