NA & A Co. Martini-Henry Mk.II .577/450 Falling Block Rifle & Bayonet, 1880
SOLD FOR: $1,200.00
LSB#: LSB251005DL006
Make: NA & A Co. (National Arms & Ammunition Company)
Model: Martini-Henry Mk.II
Serial Number: 7144
Year of Manufacture: 1880 / Antique
Caliber: .577/450 Martini–Henry
Action Type: Falling block, Single Shot, Lever break
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial and a crown stamp over “V.R”, “B.S.A. & M. Co.”, “1880.”, with a small proof mark, and “II”. The barrel shank is marked with various proofs. The stock has a War Department crest.
Barrel Length: 33.25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade on a square base. The rear sight is a v-notch blade when down and a sliding v-notch blade on a ladder when flipped up.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece wood stock has a metal nose cap, cut out for the included cleaning rod, barrel band with bayonet lug & sling loop, barrel band, trigger guard mounted sling loop, straight wrist, lever rest, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate has oxidation and minor erosion throughout. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are no cracks but there are several chips. There is light wear along the cleaning rod channel. The LOP measures 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as an Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp and well defined. There are some faint spots of erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10 for Antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about None of its metal finish. There is no remaining finish with scratches and pitting marks throughout along with spots of patina. The screw heads are mostly sharp with some damaged ones. The pins have light marring. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an Antique. The bayonet is in Very Good condition with some spots of rust and light pitting. The brass capped leather scabbard is split and cracked throughout.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Bayonet.
Our Assessment: The Martini-Henry Mk. II stands as one of the most recognizable and historically significant British military rifles of the late Victorian era, representing Britain’s full commitment to the metallic-cartridge, breech-loading system. Produced in 1880 under War Department contract, this example reflects the mature phase of Martini-Henry service, when the design had been refined and widely deployed throughout the Empire. The Mk. II incorporated improvements to the action and furniture over earlier marks, and its long 33.25 inch barrel, robust falling-block mechanism, and distinctive military profile made it a formidable infantry arm during a period of colonial conflict and expansion. The presence of clear War Department markings and period proofs firmly anchor this rifle within that historical context. Chambered in .577/450 Martini-Henry, the rifle is paired with one of the most powerful and iconic black powder military cartridges of the 19th century. Designed to deliver heavy projectiles with decisive terminal effect, the cartridge was intended for both long-range volley fire and close-order engagements. This example’s bore remains semi-bright with well-defined rifling and only faint erosion, an impressive attribute for an antique service rifle that would have originally fired corrosive black powder ammunition. The original ladder rear sight and barleycorn front sight remain intact, preserving the rifle’s authentic military sighting system.
Overall, this rifle presents as an honest and well-preserved antique with visible service character. The metal surfaces have aged to patina with scattered pitting and wear consistent with long-term military use, while the stock shows expected handling marks without structural cracking. The included bayonet further enhances the historical completeness of the offering, illustrating how the rifle would have been carried and employed in service. As a complete Martini-Henry Mk. II with strong markings, solid mechanics, and an accompanying bayonet, this example offers collectors a tangible connection to British military history during the height of the Empire and remains a compelling survivor from the black powder era. -R.E.
