Talk:Martini Henry

short lever long lever

A so-called "Pattern 1880s Short Lever" could be a Mark II or a Mark III, as the short lever was present with Mark I, II and III versions but only the II and III were manufactured in the 1880s. Likewise, the "Long Lever" moniker, according to Atkin, should only be applied to Mark IV rifles. And while these will always be 1880s, they might be the ones found in best condition.

Collectors also agree that the original Mark I is the most sought after, in part because many were in fact upgraded to the Mark II pattern. Thus, original Mark I Martini-Henrys have become the "Holy Grail" for advanced collectors.

Be aware of non-military Martini-Henrys. These were made in Birmingham for civilian use and are not considered a military collectible. They are not as common as the military variety however, and most Martini-Henrys are in fact the military version.

Be cautious about Khyber Pass inferior Martini-Henrys. Sometimes the "N" in "Enfield" on the side of the gun is backwards. These rifles were reproduced in the same region where the British mounted several invasions into Afghanistan. The region is also known as a hotbed of gunsmiths, who have been copying dozens of other guns for more than 100 years. these rifles have circulated around the region for years, these weapons are only now beginning to reach international markets. With the advent of the Internet, this will likely rise, but the number of fakes is actually small compared to genuine Martini-Henrys.