Firearms - Sub Category Militaria - Category
For Sale: A War Department Mark II Martini–Henry rifle chambered in .577/450 calibre. 1878-dated and made by Birmingham Small Arms Company. The rifle features a 32-inch barrel fitted with a ladder rear sight and secured by two barrel bands incorporating a bayonet lug. The receiver is stamped with a crown over “VR” (Victoria Regina), above “BSA” and the date 1878. The rifle also bears regimental markings, possibly Nepalese or Indian in origin, although the exact unit identification remains uncertain. Martini-Henry Mk II production during the 1877–1878 Enfield production year was comparatively limited, as the Royal Small Arms Factory focused heavily on converting approximately 450,000 earlier Mk I rifles and altering carbines for cavalry service. Contemporary factory reports from January 1878 note that much of the factory’s output during that period centred on Martini-Henry cavalry carbines rather than new infantry rifles. The year 1878 was also difficult for British small arms manufacturers, with reduced military orders leaving government stores heavily stocked. Many rifles produced during this period were later sold or transferred abroad, particularly to the Indian subcontinent, which explains why a significant number of 1878-dated Martini-Henry rifles are encountered with Indian or Nepalese service markings. Manufacturing improvements during the late 1870s significantly reduced production costs. In 1874, a Martini-Henry rifle cost approximately £3 4s 6d to manufacture, but by 1880 this had fallen to around £2 6s 6d due to improved barrel production methods and increased manufacturing efficiency. Overseas orders from Canada, Australia, India, and Egypt subsequently helped restore production levels during the 1880s. Under current United Kingdom legislation, the rifle qualifies as an antique under Section 58(2) due to its obsolete calibre status and may therefore be possessed without a firearms certificate, subject to applicable law. Thanks to Neil Epinshaw for his invaluable insight into the 1878 production year of the Martini Henry. Dimensions: Approximately 126 cm in length.
For Sale: A War Department Mark II Martini–Henry rifle chambered in .577/450 calibre. 1878-dated and made by Birmingham Small Arms Company. The rifle features a 32-inch barrel fitted with a ladder rear sight and secured by two barrel bands incorporating a bayonet lug. The receiver is stamped with a crown over “VR” (Victoria Regina), above “BSA” and the date 1878. The rifle also bears regimental markings, possibly Nepalese or Indian in origin, although the exact unit identification remains uncertain. Martini-Henry Mk II production during the 1877–1878 Enfield production year was comparatively limited, as the Royal Small Arms Factory focused heavily on converting approximately 450,000 earlier Mk I rifles and altering carbines for cavalry service. Contemporary factory reports from January 1878 note that much of the factory’s output during that period centred on Martini-Henry cavalry carbines rather than new infantry rifles. The year 1878 was also difficult for British small arms manufacturers, with reduced military orders leaving government stores heavily stocked. Many rifles produced during this period were later sold or transferred abroad, particularly to the Indian subcontinent, which explains why a significant number of 1878-dated Martini-Henry rifles are encountered with Indian or Nepalese service markings. Manufacturing improvements during the late 1870s significantly reduced production costs. In 1874, a Martini-Henry rifle cost approximately £3 4s 6d to manufacture, but by 1880 this had fallen to around £2 6s 6d due to improved barrel production methods and increased manufacturing efficiency. Overseas orders from Canada, Australia, India, and Egypt subsequently helped restore production levels during the 1880s. Under current United Kingdom legislation, the rifle qualifies as an antique under Section 58(2) due to its obsolete calibre status and may therefore be possessed without a firearms certificate, subject to applicable law. Thanks to Neil Epinshaw for his invaluable insight into the 1878 production year of the Martini Henry. Dimensions: Approximately 126 cm in length.
For Sale: A War Department Mark II Martini–Henry rifle chambered in .577/450 calibre. 1878-dated and made by Birmingham Small Arms Company. The rifle features a 32-inch barrel fitted with a ladder rear sight and secured by two barrel bands incorporating a bayonet lug. The receiver is stamped with a crown over “VR” (Victoria Regina), above “BSA” and the date 1878. The rifle also bears regimental markings, possibly Nepalese or Indian in origin, although the exact unit identification remains uncertain. Martini-Henry Mk II production during the 1877–1878 Enfield production year was comparatively limited, as the Royal Small Arms Factory focused heavily on converting approximately 450,000 earlier Mk I rifles and altering carbines for cavalry service. Contemporary factory reports from January 1878 note that much of the factory’s output during that period centred on Martini-Henry cavalry carbines rather than new infantry rifles. The year 1878 was also difficult for British small arms manufacturers, with reduced military orders leaving government stores heavily stocked. Many rifles produced during this period were later sold or transferred abroad, particularly to the Indian subcontinent, which explains why a significant number of 1878-dated Martini-Henry rifles are encountered with Indian or Nepalese service markings. Manufacturing improvements during the late 1870s significantly reduced production costs. In 1874, a Martini-Henry rifle cost approximately £3 4s 6d to manufacture, but by 1880 this had fallen to around £2 6s 6d due to improved barrel production methods and increased manufacturing efficiency. Overseas orders from Canada, Australia, India, and Egypt subsequently helped restore production levels during the 1880s. Under current United Kingdom legislation, the rifle qualifies as an antique under Section 58(2) due to its obsolete calibre status and may therefore be possessed without a firearms certificate, subject to applicable law. Thanks to Neil Epinshaw for his invaluable insight into the 1878 production year of the Martini Henry. Dimensions: Approximately 126 cm in length.
For Sale: A War Department Mark II Martini–Henry rifle chambered in .577/450 calibre. 1878-dated and made by Birmingham Small Arms Company. The rifle features a 32-inch barrel fitted with a ladder rear sight and secured by two barrel bands incorporating a bayonet lug. The receiver is stamped with a crown over “VR” (Victoria Regina), above “BSA” and the date 1878. The rifle also bears regimental markings, possibly Nepalese or Indian in origin, although the exact unit identification remains uncertain. Martini-Henry Mk II production during the 1877–1878 Enfield production year was comparatively limited, as the Royal Small Arms Factory focused heavily on converting approximately 450,000 earlier Mk I rifles and altering carbines for cavalry service. Contemporary factory reports from January 1878 note that much of the factory’s output during that period centred on Martini-Henry cavalry carbines rather than new infantry rifles. The year 1878 was also difficult for British small arms manufacturers, with reduced military orders leaving government stores heavily stocked. Many rifles produced during this period were later sold or transferred abroad, particularly to the Indian subcontinent, which explains why a significant number of 1878-dated Martini-Henry rifles are encountered with Indian or Nepalese service markings. Manufacturing improvements during the late 1870s significantly reduced production costs. In 1874, a Martini-Henry rifle cost approximately £3 4s 6d to manufacture, but by 1880 this had fallen to around £2 6s 6d due to improved barrel production methods and increased manufacturing efficiency. Overseas orders from Canada, Australia, India, and Egypt subsequently helped restore production levels during the 1880s. Under current United Kingdom legislation, the rifle qualifies as an antique under Section 58(2) due to its obsolete calibre status and may therefore be possessed without a firearms certificate, subject to applicable law. Thanks to Neil Epinshaw for his invaluable insight into the 1878 production year of the Martini Henry. Dimensions: Approximately 126 cm in length.
For Sale: A War Department Mark II Martini–Henry rifle chambered in .577/450 calibre. 1878-dated and made by Birmingham Small Arms Company. The rifle features a 32-inch barrel fitted with a ladder rear sight and secured by two barrel bands incorporating a bayonet lug. The receiver is stamped with a crown over “VR” (Victoria Regina), above “BSA” and the date 1878. The rifle also bears regimental markings, possibly Nepalese or Indian in origin, although the exact unit identification remains uncertain. Martini-Henry Mk II production during the 1877–1878 Enfield production year was comparatively limited, as the Royal Small Arms Factory focused heavily on converting approximately 450,000 earlier Mk I rifles and altering carbines for cavalry service. Contemporary factory reports from January 1878 note that much of the factory’s output during that period centred on Martini-Henry cavalry carbines rather than new infantry rifles. The year 1878 was also difficult for British small arms manufacturers, with reduced military orders leaving government stores heavily stocked. Many rifles produced during this period were later sold or transferred abroad, particularly to the Indian subcontinent, which explains why a significant number of 1878-dated Martini-Henry rifles are encountered with Indian or Nepalese service markings. Manufacturing improvements during the late 1870s significantly reduced production costs. In 1874, a Martini-Henry rifle cost approximately £3 4s 6d to manufacture, but by 1880 this had fallen to around £2 6s 6d due to improved barrel production methods and increased manufacturing efficiency. Overseas orders from Canada, Australia, India, and Egypt subsequently helped restore production levels during the 1880s. Under current United Kingdom legislation, the rifle qualifies as an antique under Section 58(2) due to its obsolete calibre status and may therefore be possessed without a firearms certificate, subject to applicable law. Thanks to Neil Epinshaw for his invaluable insight into the 1878 production year of the Martini Henry. Dimensions: Approximately 126 cm in length.
For Sale: A War Department Mark II Martini–Henry rifle chambered in .577/450 calibre. 1878-dated and made by Birmingham Small Arms Company. The rifle features a 32-inch barrel fitted with a ladder rear sight and secured by two barrel bands incorporating a bayonet lug. The receiver is stamped with a crown over “VR” (Victoria Regina), above “BSA” and the date 1878. The rifle also bears regimental markings, possibly Nepalese or Indian in origin, although the exact unit identification remains uncertain. Martini-Henry Mk II production during the 1877–1878 Enfield production year was comparatively limited, as the Royal Small Arms Factory focused heavily on converting approximately 450,000 earlier Mk I rifles and altering carbines for cavalry service. Contemporary factory reports from January 1878 note that much of the factory’s output during that period centred on Martini-Henry cavalry carbines rather than new infantry rifles. The year 1878 was also difficult for British small arms manufacturers, with reduced military orders leaving government stores heavily stocked. Many rifles produced during this period were later sold or transferred abroad, particularly to the Indian subcontinent, which explains why a significant number of 1878-dated Martini-Henry rifles are encountered with Indian or Nepalese service markings. Manufacturing improvements during the late 1870s significantly reduced production costs. In 1874, a Martini-Henry rifle cost approximately £3 4s 6d to manufacture, but by 1880 this had fallen to around £2 6s 6d due to improved barrel production methods and increased manufacturing efficiency. Overseas orders from Canada, Australia, India, and Egypt subsequently helped restore production levels during the 1880s. Under current United Kingdom legislation, the rifle qualifies as an antique under Section 58(2) due to its obsolete calibre status and may therefore be possessed without a firearms certificate, subject to applicable law. Thanks to Neil Epinshaw for his invaluable insight into the 1878 production year of the Martini Henry. Dimensions: Approximately 126 cm in length.

ID: 3600

MKII Martini Henry Rifle Dated 1878

  • Price: £1500.00
  • International buyers welcome — prices shown in GBP (£). Please enquire for equivalent USD ($) or EUR (€) rates.
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Description 🔉

For Sale: A War Department Mark II Martini–Henry rifle chambered in .577/450 calibre. 1878-dated and made by Birmingham Small Arms Company. The rifle features a 32-inch barrel fitted with a ladder rear sight and secured by two barrel bands incorporating a bayonet lug. The receiver is stamped with a crown over “VR” (Victoria Regina), above “BSA” and the date 1878. The rifle also bears regimental markings, possibly Nepalese or Indian in origin, although the exact unit identification remains uncertain.

Martini-Henry Mk II production during the 1877–1878 Enfield production year was comparatively limited, as the Royal Small Arms Factory focused heavily on converting approximately 450,000 earlier Mk I rifles and altering carbines for cavalry service. Contemporary factory reports from January 1878 note that much of the factory’s output during that period centred on Martini-Henry cavalry carbines rather than new infantry rifles.

The year 1878 was also difficult for British small arms manufacturers, with reduced military orders leaving government stores heavily stocked. Many rifles produced during this period were later sold or transferred abroad, particularly to the Indian subcontinent, which explains why a significant number of 1878-dated Martini-Henry rifles are encountered with Indian or Nepalese service markings.

Manufacturing improvements during the late 1870s significantly reduced production costs. In 1874, a Martini-Henry rifle cost approximately £3 4s 6d to manufacture, but by 1880 this had fallen to around £2 6s 6d due to improved barrel production methods and increased manufacturing efficiency. Overseas orders from Canada, Australia, India, and Egypt subsequently helped restore production levels during the 1880s.

Under current United Kingdom legislation, the rifle qualifies as an antique under Section 58(2) due to its obsolete calibre status and may therefore be possessed without a firearms certificate, subject to applicable law.

Thanks to Neil Epinshaw for his invaluable insight into the 1878 production year of the Martini Henry.
Dimensions: Approximately 126 cm in length.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the rifle from Michael Cain's Zulu?

Yes, members of the 24th (The 2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot - post 1881 - South Wales Borderers - would have carried a combination of MKI and MKII .450/577 Martini Henry Rifles together fitted with 1878 pattern bayonets.

What does NS NEP stand for?

“NS NEP” stands for Native Service Nepal. These markings were typically stamped on the left-hand side of a rifle barrel and indicated ex-British Army weapons that had been sold or transferred to the Nepalese Armed Forces for native service use. Many weapons bearing NS NEP markings were famously discovered by International Military Antiques in the ancient Lagan Silekhana palace armoury in Kathmandu in 2003.

What is a Martini-Henry rifle?

The Martini–Henry rifle was a single-shot, breech-loading, lever-action rifle that saw extensive service with the British Army during the 1870s and 1880s. Renowned for its power and reliability, it became one of the most recognisable military rifles of the Victorian era.
The Martini-Henry proved highly popular internationally, with numerous Belgian and Turkish copies produced during the period. Rifles and variations of the design have since been found across the world, including Belgian-made examples discovered as far afield as the Congo.
Martini-Henry rifles also remained in use long after their official military service ended. During the invasion of Afghanistan, a number of Martini-Henry rifles were reportedly found in the possession of Taliban fighters, many having originally been captured or retained from conflicts dating back to the British campaigns in Afghanistan during the 1878 Afghan invasion.

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  • 21 Watergate, Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK.
  • SY131DP
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  • Raven Yard Antiques Shop is a family run business located in the picturesque part of Shropshire in the Roman town of Whitchurch. We have a diverse selection of rare and historic goods to choose from. Please browse our online store or else visit our shop to see some of our amazing items.

Legal Note

For antique firearms such as muskets and rifles, this item is offered strictly as a collectors’ piece. It is sold as a historic firearm for display or study purposes only, and not as a modern, live-firing weapon. Export, import, and ownership regulations vary by country; buyers are responsible for ensuring compliance with their local laws and confirming that they are not prohibited from ownership. In accordance with UK guidelines, the seller is required to verify the buyer’s identification and age prior to completion of the sale.

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