Robert Hughes Martini Henry Trade Rifle 577/450 Blue 28 1/2″ Solid Rib Single Shot Rifle, C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,657.79
LSB#: 190402LH02

Make: Robert Hughes & Son, England

Model: Martini-Henry

Serial Number: No serial number visible.

Year of Manufacture: 1880-1900

Caliber: .577/450 Martini-Henry

Action Type: Lever Operate Falling Block Single Shot Action

Markings: The left of the receiver is marked “ROBERT HUGHES & SONS MAKERS / LONDON & BIRMINGHAM”. There are British proofs on the left of the barrel, the top-front of the receiver on the left and on the right receiver flat. There is an incomplete mark on the cocking indicator arm on the right receiver flat. The receiver has decorative engraving with a tiger scene on the left flat and a lion scene on the right. The trigger guard, lever and buttplate also have decorative scroll engraving.

Barrel Length: 28 1/2”, Full-Length Solid Rib

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the rib. The rear sight has a fixed “V”-notch integral to a base with six folding leaves marked from “200” to “700” in 100 yard increments dovetailed to the rear of the rib. The 200 through 600 yard leaves have “V” notches, the 700 yard leaf has no notch. All of the leaves as well as the fixed notch have vertical line aiming references. The notches are all tight to the base, staying up or down when folded except for the 700 yard leaf which will stay down when folded but is loose in the up position.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a dark nosecap on the forend which houses the rear ramrod ferrule, straight grip, straight comb with silver initial plate, steel buttplate and a sling swivel in the belly (there is an eyelet mounted to the middle ferrule for forward attachment of a sling). The stocks have several scattered minor compressions, drag lines, nicks and dings with a few darker spots which appear to be finished-over dings or gouges which have been filled. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light surface oxidation, a few light nicks and dings and finish wear at the toe, but otherwise retains fairly strong finish, in about Good-Very Good condition as refinished. The stocks rate in about Very Good-plus condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The Henry style rifling shows light wear. There is light erosion scattered throughout the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its current metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. The barrel and receiver have some scattered minor scratches and scuffs and the barrel has very light finish wear over the forend. The receiver has scattered light surface erosion under the finish and the right flat has a drag-line from the safety lever. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The left-side receiver markings are slightly obscured by erosion and the proof marks tend to be shallow or incomplete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a brass-tipped ramrod mounted under the barrel and secured at the second ferrule with a brass-colored screw. The ramrod shows lgiht use with minor tarnish in the tip, in about Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: This is a Martini-Henry trade rifle built by Robert Hughes and Sons of England. It has some upgrades from a military Martini-Henry including full-length barrel rib with 6-leaf sight, bottom rib holding a ramrod and some nice stocks and engraving. The rifle retains about 87% of its new metal finish and has a decent bore for a gun which must have seen steady use with black powder. This is an attractive example of a sporting Martini-Henry rifle that would look good in any collection of early British cartridge arms. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible rifle can be transferred in California. All C&R and modern firearms must be DROSd at a California Firearms Dealer. This section does not apply to out of state residents.