Webley & Son Martini-Henry MkII Mk II .577/450 OVS S. Africa Antique
SOLD FOR: $1875
LSB#: 210723TS17
Make: P. Webley & Son. Birmingham, England. This rifle was issued by the OVS, Orange Free State in Africa.
Model: Martini-Henry Mk II
Serial Number: 484
Year of Manufacture: 1870’s -1897. P. Webley & Son changed the Business name in 1897.
Caliber: .577/450 Martini-Henry
Action Type: Lever Operated Single Shot Falling Block Rifle
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “P. WEBLEY & SON . BIRMINGHAM”, and “OVS” (Orange Free State). The right side of the receiver is marked “MARTINI PATENT” and “WR 21616” in electric pencil; we do not know the origin of this mark. The top of the barrel shank is marked with the Webley & Son logo “winged bullet / W&S”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with 3 stampings that include “52”. The left side of the butt is marked “14”. The right side of the buttstock is marked “14” and “OVS” (large).
Barrel Length: Approximately 33 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small inverted “V” post set atop a small base. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to an escalator assembly. The right side of the rear sight base is marked “100 200 300 400” for use with the escalator. It flips up to become a sight ladder marked from “6-13”. The ladder uses a sliding “V” notched blade and has a fixed “V” notched blade at the top.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip, nosecap, cutout for the included cleaning rod, 2 barrel bands, sling loop, brass socket for the lever tip, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows small scratches and discoloration from oxidation. The right side of the butt shows surface damage where a marking was removed. The stock hardware shows small scratches, discoloration from oxidation and a few small areas of surface erosion. The grip shows filled surface repairs at the receiver. This area appears to have been lightly coated with an epoxy. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several have damaged or removed small areas of the surface wood. Many of these marks have been finished over. The LOP measures 14 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock is in about Very Good Plus condition as a refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is deep. There is erosion throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. The receiver retains some of its blue finish. The barrel has been coated with lacquer. It shows discoloration from the lacquer. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and areas of surface erosion. The surface erosion is more prominent on the receiver. The screw heads show heavy use and oxidation. Overall, this rifle rates in 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.
There is no safety. The cocking indicator is on the right side of the receiver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Martini-Henry Mk II was made by P. Webley & Son of Birmingham, England. It was made sometime between the 1870’s and 1897 when P. Webley & Son changed the company name due to a merger. This rifle was eventually issued by the OVS, Orange Free State of Africa. It most likely saw action during the Boer War. The metal is marked “OVS” and with P. Webley & Son markings that include a “winged bullet” logo. The stock has a large “OVS” stamping on it. The Martini Henry Mk II has seen some use but should clean up some. Its markings make it an ideal candidate for your collection.