A fabulous example of a Victorian Martini Henry short lever rifle - the classic Zulu Wars rifle that has become very rare. This is an untouched example with beautifully patinated woodwork and mounts. Numerous marking to the rifle. 

The Martini-Henry P1871 MK II short lever rifle is best known for its use in the Zulu War at the Battle of Rorke's Drift on January 22nd, 1879, where a small force of British and colonial troops defeated a much larger attacking Zulu force. A total of 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded that day, most to the 2nd/ 24th Foot. Earlier in the day another force of about 20,000 Zulus attacked a British column at Isandlwana consisting of about 1800 British and Colonial troops, as well as several hundred civilians, killing over 1300. These famous battles were immortalised in the movies "Zulu" (1964) and "Zulu Dawn" (1979).

A rare original untouched example being offered here.