Martini Mark IV Rifle

This is a nice example of a Martini Mark IV Rifle in 577-450 caliber manufactured by Enfield in 1887.   This one is a type B with the large knox form and the barley corn type front sight.   The Mark IV British Empire's last single shot rifle incorporated several improvements from lessons learned over the rifle's previous sixteen years of service in the British Army.   Several of these changes include an improved front sight, ramrod, stronger extractor, longer lever to improve leverage of the breech and extractor mechanism, and brass screws and a thin brass liner between the buttplate + stock which served as counter-measures to corrosion in tropical climates.   Along with the Mark III, the Mark IV sported an improved fore-end that attaches to the frame via a metal catch secured by a reinforced metal plate.   This was a vast improvement over the old pin-method which chipped out the wood and was highly prone to corrosion.   The right side of the frame is marked with a crown over "V.R." (for the reigning monarch at that time...Queen Victoria Regina), over "Enfield" (the manufacturer), over "1887" (date of manufacture), small crown cypher with broad arrow, "IV" (Mark 4 version), over "1" (Grade 1...or top grade of serviceability), over two opposing broad arrows (indicating release from British military service).   All parts are Enfield-made with the letter "E" and inspector number.   The stock has a good Enfield Mark IV cartouche with a No. 1 serviceability grade.   It also has the opposing pair of release-from-service broad arrows.   After release from the British military...most likely a colony such as India, this rifle served an additional few years in the Nepalese military...as many Mark IV's did back then.  The stock also bears several inspection dates from 1900 and 1906.

Overall, this one grades well within NRA Antique Fine+ Condition.   Unlike many you'll find, this is not a re-worked gun and has most of its original finish along with crisp markings on the wood and metal.  The frame has 75% original blue on the beginning to brown and turn dull.   The cocking lever still has mottled case colors that have mostly faded to a nickel-silver appearance with brighter colors in protected areas.   The wood is medium red-brown hue and in Very Good condition.   Wood shows a few dings which is to be expected on any issued 19th century military weapon.   One minor chip at the toe next to the buttplate...but good news is the chip was rescued and placed back on the stock...probably 100+ years ago during its service life.  See photo.  Buttplate retains its original brass liner between the steel and the wood with correct original brass screws.   Complete with its original Mark IV cleaning rod, swivels, and sights.   Nice action with working cocking indicator!   Bore is perfect, bright and shiny with strong rifling all the way to the muzzle.   This is a very clean rifle and one of the better examples you'll find.

Item# 1107

$725