Indian Martini-Henry - The Firearms Forum

searcher5 · 09-26-2005, 10:17 PM

This is what appears to me to be an Enfield Martini Henry MK1 Calvary Carbine. It has the Pattern 1853 Socket Bayonet. This rifle has what appears to be copper or brass tacks decorating the stock. It has several small square nails driven in places around the stock to tighten it up. These appear to be more the size of horseshoe nails, instead of carpentry nails. This rifle was found wrapped in oilcloth and buried south of Dodge City. The oilcloth was pretty much rotted away. There really are no markings left, but you can barely make out the word Enfield and the crown insignia on the right side. The rifle is rusted all over, but it has not rusted to the point of rotting and flaking. The action is loose, and I think could be made to open with a little care, but why? The bore is very rusty, but is not clogged. This is obviously just a wall hanger, but with what appears to be Indian Decorations, and the manner that it was found in, has me stumped as to a value. I would appreciate you thoughts, comments and opinions of value and collectability. Thanks a lot in advance, Dan

LIKTOSHOOT · 09-27-2005, 12:17 AM

No idea as to the value, but it would appear it was fairly pristine when buried. That would be my judgement after looking at the screw heads and sharp angles of the receiver. I hope it was documented when found. No doubt buried for someones stash and some are doing the very same thing today, less the oil cloth. What a treasure!! I would look at some of the Indian books on the tacking. Sometimes it can narrow down the date,tribes-conflicts,ect. Very nice find.

LTS

09-26-2005, 10:17 PM	#1
searcher5 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: S.E. Kansas Posts: 165	Indian Martini-Henry This is what appears to me to be an Enfield Martini Henry MK1 Calvary Carbine. It has the Pattern 1853 Socket Bayonet. This rifle has what appears to be copper or brass tacks decorating the stock. It has several small square nails driven in places around the stock to tighten it up. These appear to be more the size of horseshoe nails, instead of carpentry nails. This rifle was found wrapped in oilcloth and buried south of Dodge City. The oilcloth was pretty much rotted away. There really are no markings left, but you can barely make out the word Enfield and the crown insignia on the right side. The rifle is rusted all over, but it has not rusted to the point of rotting and flaking. The action is loose, and I think could be made to open with a little care, but why? The bore is very rusty, but is not clogged. This is obviously just a wall hanger, but with what appears to be Indian Decorations, and the manner that it was found in, has me stumped as to a value. I would appreciate you thoughts, comments and opinions of value and collectability. Thanks a lot in advance, Dan __________________ Proud member of the NRA When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion. Abraham Lincoln If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith. Albert Einstein -->

09-27-2005, 12:17 AM	#2
LIKTOSHOOT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,367	Re: Indian Martini-Henry No idea as to the value, but it would appear it was fairly pristine when buried. That would be my judgement after looking at the screw heads and sharp angles of the receiver. I hope it was documented when found. No doubt buried for someones stash and some are doing the very same thing today, less the oil cloth. What a treasure!! I would look at some of the Indian books on the tacking. Sometimes it can narrow down the date,tribes-conflicts,ect. Very nice find. LTS