London Small Arms Martini-Henry Mk III Smoothbore, 33-inch Barrel, WD Broad Arrow Marked, Antique British Falling-Block
Contractor-made by London Small Arms in the 1880s, this Martini-Henry Mk III is a British War Department–accepted example with Crown "V.R." and WD Broad Arrow markings. It is a later smoothbored configuration with a simplified fixed rear sight, and the caliber is unknown; the bore measures approximately 12 mm. Antique status, extensive British inspection marks, and LSA manufacture make this a notable piece for collectors focused on service-marked arms.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Other - Smoothbore; no rifling present.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifle is in solid shape. The walnut stock shows numerous scratches and blemishes. The finish is worn with patina in several areas, and pitting is present. The bore is shiny and smooth, with no rifling.
What’s Included
- London Small Arms Martini-Henry Mk III smoothbore single-shot firearm
Built by London Small Arms for the British government, this Mk III retains clear service heritage. It carries multiple WD Broad Arrow acceptance marks, Crown "V.R." cyphers, and British inspection proofs. An Enfield-style buttstock roundel with "III" denotes the pattern. A faint two-digit year is present below the Crown "V.R." marking, consistent with 1880s production.
This example is in a later smoothbored configuration. The rear sight is a simplified fixed type, and the ladder assembly is absent, as observed. The front sight is the small blade/barleycorn pattern on a block. The caliber is unknown; the bore is smooth and measures about 12 mm.
Configuration details include a 33-inch steel barrel and a 14-inch length of pull. It uses the single-shot, falling-block Martini action and has a capacity of one round. The stock is full-length walnut with a full-length walnut forend secured by two barrel bands.
Additional markings of note include a repeated rack/issue number "K·K 841" on the knox form and receiver, the barrel legend "N.S.B.D," and a small "K K A" style stamp. These markings, combined with LSA contractor manufacture and War Department acceptance, provide clear service context for this antique arm.