This is a very nice example of a Martini rifle manufactured by Westley Richards manfuactured for the South African ZAR State preceeding the 2nd Boer War.   It has a 33 1/4" barrel in Caliber .450-577 in its full military configuration complete with miltiary sights and swivels.  The Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek aka (ZAR) ordered 33,000 Martini rifles from the Birmingham-based Westley Richards Co. during the 3 years preceeding the 2nd Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).  This particular rifle was built in 1897 with the date and ZAR triangular symbol atop the knox form of the barrel.  The right side of the frame is marked "MADE SPECIALLY FOR ZAR" with the left side stamped with another Triangular ZAR symbol and the words "WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO". The barrel is also marked "WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO" and the words "HENRY RIFLING" between the sight and rear band.  One interesting aspect of this martini is the Francotte style action with improved cocking indicator located atop the breech block.  Since there is no large cocking lever protruding through the frame to hold up the internal parts, the action can be dropped from the gun by simply pulling out the pin from at the front of the frame. 

Overall condition is NRA Antique Fine+ with 80% original blue on the receiver that is mixed with some light scale and closet rust from poor storage.  Lever shows bright original case colors in protected areas.  Bands and triggerguard still show between 50-75% bright original nitre blue while the barrel retains 50% original blue with the balance a mixture of patina and closet rust.  Markings and edges are excellent throughout.  Wood is in Very Good condition retaining what appears to be most of its original varnish with the typical dings and scratches one associates with a military-used gun.  It appears that the Boer Soldier who carried this rifle lightly inscribed his name on the right side of the stock, "WM SMIT"... (William Smit).  Towards the top of the stock it reads, "1.01" over the letters "N.H."  This is mostly likely some sort of official capture date (January 1901) by British forces as the 2nd Boer War lasted from 1899-1902.  Both the action and bore are in excellent conditon.  An intersting gun in that it was it was a British-mfd Martini, made for the Boers, and who used them to fight the British at the turn of the 20th century.  One of the better examples we've seen.

Item# 0825

SOLD