AR803 - .577/450 Martini-Henry Mk.lV rifle, 1887 Mklll bayonet and sling.
 
An Enfield made Mk lV Martini-Henry rifle of regulation pattern with long lever (serial numbered D8046), marked as a class 1 arm (so initially issued to British Line regiments), numerous inspection marks. Sold out of Service marking. Stamped with NS-NEP by the rear sight (Native States – Nepal) so one of those provided post-1906; since there is a feint date of what looks like 1908 on the butt, it is assumed that this rifle was part of the second consignment of 10,000 rifles and bayonets supplied to Nepal 1908-1909; the butt marking looks to be supplied from the Madras arsenal based purely on the configuration of visible letters in the roundel.
 
It comes with an Pattern 1887 Mklll bayonet (unfullered blade) & scabbard; this is 1888 dated so one of the first made by Wilkinson Sword out of a total of only 42,000 total WSC production –Wilkinson were the only commercial company allowed to make the Mkll or Mklll pattern bayonets, the rest being produced by RSAF Enfield. Also Nepali and Sold out of Service marked .
 
Also supplied is an original leather sling.
 
This rifle has a good bore and plenty or original colour overall. The Martini-Henry rifles were supplied to Nepal following the failure of locally Nepali produced Francotte type Martini’s and Gehendra rifles with British service ammunition.