British, 1878, Martini-Henry Mk II Infantry Rifle by BSA & M Co., WD Accepted, Nepalese Unit-Marked, with Original Accessories and White Leather Sling, Obsolete Calibre

*British, 1878, Martini-Henry Mk II Infantry Rifle by BSA & M Co., WD Accepted, Nepalese Unit-Marked, with Original Accessories and White Leather Sling, Obsolete Calibre*

A highly attractive and historically well-documented Martini-Henry Mk II infantry rifle, manufactured in 1878 by Birmingham Small Arms & Metals Company (BSA & M Co.) for the British War Department, and later transferred into Nepalese military service, where it was unit-marked and retained in long-term armoury storage.

The left side of the receiver is crisply stamped Crown over V.R. / BSA & M Co / 1878, confirming Victorian War Department contract manufacture. The rifle retains the correct short-lever Mk II action, incorporating the strengthened and improved extractor system adopted with the Mk II pattern to enhance reliability over earlier marks. Numerous Birmingham inspection and viewer’s stamps are present throughout, consistent with BSA manufacture.

Beneath the rear sight, the barrel bears clear NEP and N.S. stamps (Nepal / Native State), recognised British sale and transfer marks applied when the rifle was formally disposed of from British service and delivered to Nepal. The rifle is fitted with the correct Mk II ladder rear sight, graduated from 100 to 1,200 yards, with original slider intact.

The walnut stock remains in honest, un-sanded condition and retains a clear Birmingham War Department roundel, marked BA / Crown / A Co / Birmingham, with central broad arrow over WD, confirming original British military acceptance. The buttstock is additionally branded “AL / 08”, a later secondary-service mark, likely  an arsenal or inventory designation with a 1908 date, “AL” is often associated with Allahabad

The underside of the trigger-guard bow is engraved with a Nepalese armoury marking in Devanagari script, recording a unit designation and inventory number. Marking appears to be ‘न गो’ (Na Go – Naya Gorakh / ‘New Gurkha’ battalion), followed by an inventory number (appears as 748). Such markings are well documented on British arms retained by the Nepalese military and are directly comparable to those found on ex–East India Company percussion muskets and later Martini-Henry rifles supplied to Nepal during the 1894–95 consignments.

The rifle is complete with its original white leather British military sling, a desirable survival and entirely correct for period service, showing age-related toning and wear consistent with long-term storage rather than later replacement.

Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 33¼ inches (84.5 cm). Overall length: approx. 125 cm.

Accessories:
- Original British Martini-Henry Mk II brass muzzle and foresight cover with muzzle hole, the field-service pattern allowing passage of the cleaning rod. Broad Arrow
- Original British Martini-Henry Mk III brass muzzle and foresight cover without muzzle hole, the later closed pattern intended for storage and transport. Broad Arrow
- Original British brass Martini-Henry oil bottle, with screw cap and internal iron needle applicator.
- Original British military Martini-Henry rifle cleaning jag, brass, likely Mk II pattern.
All accessories are correct 19th-century British issue types and are entirely consistent with later Nepalese armoury retention.

Historical Note:
The Martini-Henry Mk II, approved in 1877, represented the first major refinement of Britain’s Martini service rifle and saw extensive imperial service throughout the late Victorian period. Following the adoption of magazine-fed rifles in the early 1890s, large numbers of Martini-Henry rifles were declared surplus and sold to allied and Native State forces, including the Kingdom of Nepal.

Nepalese armouries systematically marked British arms with unit and inventory identifiers in Devanagari script, continuing a long-established local practice. Rifles bearing NEP / N.S. sale marks alongside Nepalese unit numbers provide clear, tangible evidence of this secondary service life and are highly regarded for the depth of provenance they offer.

*Condition*
Overall in very good, honest service condition, cocks and dry-fires. The metal surfaces retain an even age-related patina with scattered oxidation and no evidence of aggressive cleaning or modern refinishing. All principal markings remain legible and well defined. The bore shows visible rifling with age-darkening consistent with service use and long-term storage. The stock is sound, with expected handling marks, small knocks, and bruising commensurate with age; all cartouches and stamps remain clear. The white leather sling and accessories show matching period wear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQHOOXAHOO_272610/072025