#665 British Martini-Henry Mark IVIn the 1890s the Nepalese were modernizing and rearming with .45 cal rifles but could not produce their indigenous Gehendra rifles in sufficient quantity. Thus, by 1894 the Ghurkas were dangerously short of viable .45 breech loaders to face growing regional threats. The British came to the rescue with a delivery of several thousand Martini short-lever rifles in late 1894 and several thousand more long-lever Martini Rifles in 1908. This Mark IV is part of the 1908 delivery of rifles supplied to Nepal by Great Britain. It is a British made rifle showing clear British disposal marks and follow-on Nepalese markings. The exterior is well marked and is in very good condition, but some of the metal shows very slight “orange peel” which does not detract from the rifles historical appeal. If you are looking for a Martini-Henry rifle to shoot, this would make an excellent example as it has a strong, positive action, the long leather aided extraction and an excellent bore as well as rear sight in excellent condition. This rifle is a good choice for either a shooter or a collector.