This is a very scarce original condition Mark I British Martini-Henry rifle. These rifles were made famous during the Zulu War of 1879. The rifle has an overall length of 49", with a 33 1/4" barrel. The exterior of the barrel is smooth with no pitting or imperfections. The two barrel bands have the same smooth surface and exhibit the same brownish patina as the barrel. The bore is .577/450 caliber and is bright with strong rifling and no rust or pitting. The front and rear sight are on the barrel, the rear long range sight is graduated out to 1200 yards. The rear sight base utilizes a ramp and is graduated out to 400 yards. The right side of the barrel has one proof mark of a crown/E/18 at the breech. The left side of the barrel shows 5 proof marks, from the muzzle working towards the breech they are Crown/VR/1.P., Crown/E/18, Crown/VR/Crossed Scepters/2.P., Crown/E/18, Broad Arrow/WD. The barrel bands are stamped with Broad Arrow/WD, Crown/E/6. The left side of the receiver has two stamps, Crown/F./18 and Crown/VR/Crossed Scepters/2.P. The right side of the receiver has the Crown/V.R/ENFIELD/1873/Crown/I. The large cocking indicator is indicative of a Mark I, as well as the 1873 date. The action of this short lever rifle works perfectly. The butt plate is the serrated, or fully checkered, is the correct one for a Mark I. Mark II's had the checkered butt plates replaced with smooth ones. This butt plate is stamped Broad Arrow/WD, Crown/E/42. The trigger guard and short cocking lever also bear stamps, and match the patina of the other metal parts. The ramrod is o the Mark II variant. The rear sling guide has been removed from the stock and installed on the front of the trigger guard. The wood on this weapon is in very good condition. There are two repairs to the stock, one where the rear sling guide was installed and another at the bottom of the stock at the butt plate. the right side of the stock bears the Enfield cartouche. A buff white leather sling is installed on this veteran of the Zulu era. If you collect the Zulu War, this is one you shouldn't let pass by!