Make: BSA & M Co. / British Small Arms & Machine Company

Model: Martini-Henry Mk. II

Serial Number: NVSN

Year of Manufacture: 1877 / ATF Classification: Antique

Caliber/Gauge: .577/450 Martini–Henry

Action Type: Single shot, falling block, lever actuator

Barrel Length: 33"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a shallow blade on a square base. The rear sight is a folding ladder sight adjustable from 100 to 1300 meters.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece piece wood with a straight wrist grip, full-length forend with metal nose cap, cut out for the included cleaning rod, barrel band with bayonet lug & sling loop, barrel band, trigger guard mounted sling loop, and a smooth metal buttplate. The right of the buttstock has British and Nepalese markings. The wood shows moderate wear with pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches. There is a crack in the very front right of the forend. The furniture rates in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished

Bore Condition: The bore has turned to patina and the rifling is fairly sharp. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish as much has turned to patina. The barrel shows light pitting near the wood, suggesting more under the stock-line. There are cleaning marks and patina. The receiver shows edge wear, freckling, scuffs, and scattered dings from handling and operation. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition as an antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Gahendra socket bayonet & sheath

Our Assessment: This Nepalese BSA Martini-Henry Mk. II, manufactured in 1877, represents a well-traveled arm of the British Empire's late 19th century military history. Produced by Birmingham Small Arms & Machine Company, the Martini-Henry Mk. II was one of the principal service rifles of Victorian Britain, seeing widespread use across imperial campaigns. As newer rifles replaced the Martini-Henry in British service, many were transferred abroad, including to Nepal, where they continued in military inventory long after obsolescence in Britain.

Chambered in .577/450 Martini-Henry with a 33" barrel, this rifle embodies the black powder single-shot era that defined British infantry doctrine during conflicts such as the Anglo-Zulu War. The powerful bottleneck cartridge delivered substantial authority at range and became synonymous with the Martini system. The bore rates a solid 8 out of 10, and the action functions correctly, demonstrating the enduring strength of the falling block mechanism.

Approximately 40% of its arsenal applied finish remains, consistent with extended service life and long-term storage. The rifle is accompanied by a Gahendra-pattern socket bayonet, adding appropriate Nepalese context to the configuration. Originally issued to British forces and later sent to Nepal when superseded, this Martini-Henry stands as a tangible artifact of imperial military transition and the global redistribution of Victorian service arms.