Afghan Tribal Martini Henry

[trenchwarfare]

This one, is a little different from your typical Khyber Pass Martini. Barrel is octagon, instead of round. Shows many years use, and abuse. I'm thinking, the spurious British markings, could have been added later on? Love the field repair, and "original" sling. The cleaning rod, and Chinese coin in the stock, are my additions.

[David R]

I think this may have ended up in Tribal hands, but looking at the octagonal barrel and the textured upper flat , I think it started life as a Civilian model hunting rifle. The type of sights would be another clue.

[Will M]

The markings under the forestock look legit. What calibre is it, .303 or 450?

[trenchwarfare]

Bore measures 1/2", so around .50 caliber.

[Will M]

To know which cartridge it fires, a chamber casting would help and slugging the bore for an accurate bore measurement.
Who used 50 cal ammo at the time this was made? British was .577 and .450

[trenchwarfare]

Which caliber it fires, is really a moot point. Got it as a wallhanger, and wouldn't dare shoot it anyway. Any chance of a translation of this script? I know it's pretty hard to see. Oops, I thought I had it rotated.

[Will M]

The calibre can tell you who the Afghans were associating with to obtain the ammunition. It may be one of several nationalities. The chamber measurement may narrow it down.
The US had a 50 cal for a time, off hand I can't remember the others.
I'm sure a google history could bring up other nations in the area.

I think what you picture is more design than writings.

[trenchwarfare]

I'll try, and determine the caliber. The picture is bad, but it is writing.

[kahnjar1]

To know which cartridge it fires, a chamber casting would help and slugging the bore for an accurate bore measurement.
Who used 50 cal ammo at the time this was made? British was .577 and .450
Early British cal for these rifles was 577/450 (a necked cartridge), not .577 AND .450.
Later models were in .303 British cal.
A pic of the early foil version of the 577/450 is shown here.
Stu

[spiral]

Looks totally 100% Afghan made to me... Apart from the strange addition of a Chinese coin...

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams all... for a comprehensive Martini Henry grounding please see http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16123&highlight=martini+henry

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[trenchwarfare]

Thanks Ibrahiim, I remember that thread. Would it be possible to get a translation of the script, on the back of the receiver? I can't seem to rotate it properly.