Contrary to the common image of crude, home-built firearms associated with the "Khyber Pass," the Martini-Henry rifles built at the Kabul Arsenal in Afghanistan were manufactured in a legitimate and organized arsenal that rivaled many of the arms-building facilities of the West. Establishment of the Kabul Arsenal was directed by Emir Abdul Rahman and facilitated by Suter Pine, a British engineer and adventurer who arrived in the region in the late 1880s. The arsenal operated for approximately three decades, successfully producing seven distinct and well-documented variations of Martini-Henry firearms.
The weapons manufactured at the Kabul Arsenal are identifiable by their key features and formal factory markings. These included stamps of a mosque, which were used until 1909, and a later stamp depicting a mosque contained within an eight-pointed star. Furthermore, the manufacturing process saw an increasing incorporation of serialization over time. Serial numbers eventually became extensive, appearing on multiple components, including the receiver, barrel, bands, and other parts.
This particular Kabul Martini carbine is a nice, all original early example chambered in ..577-450.
The action features the "early" Kabul marking on the receiver; which features a mosque without the eight-pointed star found on later variations. The action is in good mechanical condition and locks up nicely when closed.
The stocks are in good condition, with some minor dings and dents; but no cracks or other major damage.
The bore is dark, but the rifling is visible.
The furniture is all original; including the cleaning rod; which is full length.
