Need pictures of ethnic Martini Henrys ASAP

[Atlantia]

Been offered a 'Martini Henry' Its in fairly disgusting condition, and the entire trigger/lever assembly is missing.
It has wirework bindings on the stock and a single silver band on the barrel.
Looks ethnic, I'd guess afghan or Nepalese.
Can anyone show some examples? I'm wondering if the parts are interchangable cos if not its a lot to 'scratch build' the missing bits.

[Berkley]

You are probably being offered one of the "battlefield pickup" or "parts" Nepalese models currently on the market. There are two 19th century Nepalese models, the Gehendra and the Francotte. There are also Afghan "Khyber Pass" copies which are still being made today and sold to unsuspecting Allied troops. All of the parts are hand made; they are usually not interchangeable. For more info you should visit the dedicated forums here and here.
Here is my Nepalese Francotte Martini-Henry:

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Berkley

You are probably being offered one of the "battlefield pickup" or "parts" Nepalese models currently on the market. There are two 19th century Nepalese models, the Gehendra and the Francotte. There are also Afghan "Khyber Pass" copies which are still being made today and sold to unsuspecting Allied troops. All of the parts are hand made; they are usually not interchangeable. For more info you should visit the dedicated forums here and here.
Here is my Nepalese Francotte Martini-Henry:

Hi Berkley,
I remember when worldwide arms had a container load of this sort of thing, Thanks for the links, I havent found one the same yet though. But its a lot to go through
Stuart (Khanjar) has one like the one I've been offered, like I said, its got decorative wirework on the stock, I actually thought for a second (Doh) that it might be african, but the silver band ruled that out.
Regards
Gene

[TVV]

Gene,

I think I know what you have in mind. I suggest looking at this thread for some Martini Henry rifles that have been enhanced in the Arabian peninsula:

http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...=riyadh+bazaar

I will look tonight in Elgood for more examples.

Best regards,
Teodor

[Berkley]

Tirri shows an example with silver bands and inlay "of Yemeni and Arabian provenance" on page 90.

[kahnjar1]

Hi Gene,
This one from Oman, cal 577/450.
Stu

[TVV]

The pictures in Elgood are small and the detail is not great, but here they are, just for reference.

[graeme gt]

Similar "Martini"

[Atlantia]

Thats the babies!
Gonna have another look at the 'fixer upper' that I've been offered and will report back. Can you guys supply any more background on yours? Lovely pieces BTW.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by graeme gt

Similar "Martini"

Hi Graeme,
Your header states Wakefield & Co. Is the rifle marked with makers name, and does it have proof marks? Also the side of the action with scroll engraving suggests a "civilian" version. The forewood also appears to have been shortened. This would normally be full length on a military version.
I am somewhat interested to know if it still has proof marks etc, as most of the rifles found in arabian tribal hands were either stolen from armouries, or copied. In my opinion, either way, the marks were not usually present.
What is the caliber?
Regards Stuart

[graeme gt]

Kahnjar just back from pub will try to answer you tomorrow .

[graeme gt]

Hi guys ,i would call mine a carbine size there are no proof marks .I think the metal work may have been shiped there because the woodwork is "native" the bore is roughly 9mm .Maybe someone could translate script .

[kahnjar1]

Hi Graeme,
A little info: Wakefield and Co are listed in Birmingham UK Gunmakers list. They were at 10 Whittall Street between 1897 and 1900. No other info is listed. The 9mm approx cal is likely .450 so I would expect that the cal is actually 577/450. Is you can get hold of an old catridge in this cal, try it in the chamber, BUT DON'T FORCE IT, and DON'T FIRE IT> Simply to check the calibre if you feel the need.
Stu