Nepalese Martini-Henry Mk. IV B .577/450 Falling Block Rifle, 1887 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,428.00
LSB#: LSB251213SQ005
Make: Royal Manufactory Enfield
Model: Martini-Henry Mk. IV Pattern B
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: 1887 / ATF Classification: Antique
Caliber: .577/450 Martini–Henry
Action Type: Falling block, Single Shot, Lever break
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 a cleaning rod (none present), barrel band with bayonet lug & sling loop, barrel band, trigger guard mounted sling loop, straight wrist, lever rest, and a metal buttplate. There are pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches throughout. There are several chips and cracks present. The LOP measures 14.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good condition as an Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is still well defined. There is light erosion and oxidation in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10 as an Antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. Much of the finish has turned to patina or worn away. There are scuffs, scratches, and handling marks throughout. The action has fairly light wear. The screw heads range from lightly to heavily tooled, some of the slots may not be turnable. The markings are fairly clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition as an Antique.
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: 1876 socket bayonet, leather scabbard (the seam is ripped), reproduction 50rd leather cartridge belt, 14rd Allen cartridge pouch, and 76 mixed CBC and Kynoch cartridges.
Our Assessment: This Nepalese Enfield Martini-Henry Mk. IV B was manufactured in 1887 and qualifies as an Antique firearm. Built under British contract and later sent to Nepal as part of imperial redistribution of arms, the Martini-Henry Mk. IV represents the final refinements of the iconic falling block service rifle that defined British infantry power in the late 19th century. Chambered in .577/450, the rifle embodies the black powder era of empire, when long, heavy rifles and large-caliber cartridges dominated colonial battlefields.
Chambered in .577/450 with the standard service-length barrel, this rifle reflects the robust falling block design that made the Martini-Henry renowned for strength and simplicity. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5 out of 10 as an Antique, indicating strong internal condition with well-defined rifling for its age. The action functions correctly. The rifle retains approximately 30 percent of its metal finish, showing honest wear consistent with extended service and storage. The stock rates in Very Good condition as an Antique, with typical age-related marks but solid structure.
This rifle includes an 1876 socket bayonet with leather scabbard, though the scabbard seam is ripped. Also included are a 50 round leather cartridge belt, a 14 round Allen cartridge pouch, and a total of 76 mixed CBC and Kynoch cartridges. As a complete Nepalese Martini-Henry Mk. IV B set with period accessories and ammunition, this offering represents a substantial and historically evocative example of late Victorian military arms. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -C.R.