Custom Enfield Mk IV Martini Henry 18″ .44 Magnum Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB#: LSB260323CL117
Make: Royal Manufactory Enfield, we do not know who customized this rifle.
Model: Custom Martini-Henry Mk. IV
Serial Number: 9947
Year of Manufacture: 1886
Caliber: .44 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Falling block, Single Shot, Lever break
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade brazed and screw-set on a collar at the muzzle. 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 stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a metal nosecap, barrel band with sling swivel, sling swivel in the front of the trigger guard, straight grip, straight comb and smooth steel buttplate. There is an unmarked brass disk on the right-rear of the buttstock, likely a replacement, and in front of the disk is an Indian Government property cartouche. There are patch repairs at the top-rear corners of the forend, at the forend hanger, on the top-left edge of the forend between the barrel band and rear sight, the top-front edge of the wrist and at the lever detent socket. There are small cracks around the front edge of the wrist. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly minor and/or finished-over. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate is worn to white with some light marks and infrequent spots of erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Good-plus condition as refinished and repaired Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished, the barrel is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling and some tool-chatter across the lands. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally thinned with strongest finish on the top of the breech-block. There is some minor erosion under the finish on the receiver and lever. There are some light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from tool marked with strong slots to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as altered and refinished 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Enfield Martini-Henry Mk. IV Type 1 in .577/450 is a historically significant single-shot falling block rifle that reflects the rich legacy of British military arms and their influence across the globe. Originally designed and produced in Britain, the Martini-Henry was a cornerstone of Victorian-era military firepower, seeing use across the Empire. The Mk. IV Type 1 represents the final iteration of this iconic design, incorporating refinements aimed at improving functionality and ease of production. The falling block action, renowned for its strength and simplicity, ensures reliable operation even in harsh conditions. These qualities made the Martini-Henry a trusted companion for soldiers and hunters alike, and its legacy endures as a symbol of British military engineering at its height.
This is an interesting customized example, equipped with an 18″ barrel chambered for the now more common .44 Magnum cartridge. The stock has a property marking from the Indian Government, an interesting indication of the rifle’s past, and the stocks have several patch-repairs which appear consistent with repair while still in service. This rifle’s customization makes it fairly unique and will also allow for more economical shooting than the original .577 cartridge. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud