Nepalese Enfield Martini-Henry Mk. II .577/450 Falling Block Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,200.00
LSB#: LSB251005DL002
Make: Royal Manufactory Enfield
Model: Martini-Henry Mk. II
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: 1876 / Antique
Caliber: .577/450 Martini–Henry
Action Type: Falling block, Single Shot, Lever break
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked with a crown stamp over “V.R”, “Enfield.”, “1876.”, with a small proof mark, and “II.” The barrel shank is marked with various proofs and the serial number. There is Nepalese script throughout. The right side of the stock has a myriad of proofs and cartouches. The barrel is marked, “N S / N E P.” The right side of the stock has a myriad of Nepalese scripts and British proofs.
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. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are several small chips throughout and a repair in the heel of the buttstock. The wrist has several large cracks. There is light wear along the cleaning rod channel. The LOP measures 14.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition as an Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp and well defined. There is some light erosion and pricks of pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10 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 50% of its metal finish. There is moderate thinning, scratches, and patina throughout. There are moderate pitting marks at the stock line and light ones throughout. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are moderate to heavily tooled. The markings are faded in some spots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an Antique. The bayonet is in Fine + condition with a mostly intact brass capped leather scabbard.
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: Sight mounted bayonet.
Our Assessment: The Martini-Henry Mk. II represents a critical stage in Britain’s adoption of metallic-cartridge service rifles, and this 1876 Enfield-produced example illustrates both the rifle’s original imperial role and its extended secondary service in South Asia. Manufactured at the Royal Manufactory Enfield during the height of Victorian military expansion, the Mk. II incorporated refinements over earlier marks that improved durability and serviceability while retaining the long 33.25 inch barrel and robust falling-block action that defined the Martini-Henry system. The extensive Nepalese markings and property stamps reflect the rifle’s later transfer and prolonged service life beyond British issue, a common and historically significant path for Martini-Henry rifles exported to allied or regional forces. Chambered in .577/450 Martini-Henry, the rifle is paired with one of the most powerful black powder military cartridges of the 19th century, renowned for its heavy projectile and authoritative terminal performance. This example’s bore remains notably serviceable for an antique, showing sharp, well-defined rifling with only light erosion and scattered pitting, a condition that compares favorably to many surviving Martini-Henry rifles that endured corrosive black powder ammunition. The original military sight configuration remains intact, preserving the rifle’s period-correct shooting characteristics and visual authenticity.
As a Nepalese-marked Martini-Henry Mk. II, this rifle offers collectors a layered historical narrative that extends beyond British service into the broader global circulation of imperial arms. The stock shows honest age with repairs and cracking consistent with long-term storage and use, while the metal surfaces retain a substantial portion of finish with patina and wear that speak to its service history rather than later alteration. The inclusion of a bayonet with largely intact scabbard further enhances the completeness of the offering. Overall, this rifle stands as a tangible artifact of Victorian military technology and its far-reaching legacy, well suited for collectors who value historical depth and authentic service character. -R.E.
