Make: National Arms and Ammunition Co.
Model: M1871, Henry's Patent
Serial Number: 694
Year of Manufacture: 1877
Caliber: .577-450 Martini-Henry
Action Type: Single-Shot Falling Block External Hammer
Barrel Length: 34"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barlecorn blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight presenting a "V"-notch when down, adjustable from 100-400 yards, with a "V"-notch slider on the ladder graduated from 500-1,000 yards.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with a full-length forend with slot for the included clearing rod, metal nosecap, front band with sling swivel and bayonet lug, rear band, straight grip, straight comb with a small metal inlay at the front, sling swivel in the belly and smooth steel buttplate. The right of the stock has an NA&ACo rondel and New South Wales markings. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches with a concentration of marks on the bottom of the forend behind the rear band and another on the right of the stock in front of the markings. There is scraping on the rear swivel mount. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly gone to patina with scattered light nicks and scratches. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Casehardened
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with well-defined Henry-style rifling. There is some light erosion and scattered stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7-8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel retains generally strong finish with some light wear toward the muzzle-end. The case color has mostly muted with some good color in protected areas. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches with infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: When the Martini-Henry was adopted as the standard British infantry rifle in 1871, it used a Peabody action improved by Friedrich Martini and rifling patented by Alexander Henry. One of the rifles passed over in trials was Henry's own design, a falling-block rifle with an external hammer. Early production of the Martini-Henry rifle was given over entirely to the British military, and their colonies were left to fend for themselves for some years. The Australian colony of New South Wales elected to purchase Henry's own design with production by the National Arms and Ammunition Co., established by Westley Richards. Approximately 6,000 were bought by NSW, originally chambered for a .450 Boxer-Henry cartridge, but later produced or converted to use the British standard .577-450 round.
This example has survived the last century quite well, retaining much of its original finish, a strong bore, good mechanics and matching numbered parts. The NSW markings on the stock are still strong, as well. For those interested in early cartridge military rifles, especially those of the British and their colonies, this is a scarce and well-preserved example of the Henry M1871 that will display well and may still make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
