Enfield Martini-Henry Mk II Type 1 577/450 Falling Block Rifle Antique 1878

Make: Royal Manufactory Enfield

Model: Martini-Henry Mk. II Type 1

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: 1878

Caliber: .577/450 Martini–Henry

Action Type: Falling block, Single Shot

Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked with a crown stamp over “V.R”, “Enfield.”, “1878.”, with a small proof mark, and “II.”. The left side of the receiver, the left, top, and right sides of the barrel shank, the bottom of the trigger guard, the underside of the forestock, the bottom of the lever, the buttplate, the underside of the buttstock, and the left sides of the barrel bands are all marked with numerous British proof and acceptance marks. The right side of the buttstock is marked with an Enfield Cartouche.

Barrel Length: 33”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a shallow blade on a ramped base. The rear sight is a v-notch blade when down and a sliding v-notch blade on a ladder when flipped up.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is sharp. There is some minor erosion. There is some fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.

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.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is stain on the metal from when the stock was refinished. There are areas of faint pitting throughout the receiver. There is thinning to the finish on the receiver, lever, and barrel exterior. The finish on the barrel bands, nose cap, and trigger guard has been converted to a patina. There is also a patina on the interior walls of the receiver. The screw heads show moderate to light use. The pins have light marring. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about fair condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly.