A Rare European Gold And Silver Wire-Inlaid Sporting Rifle For The Ottoman Market, 19th Century

the Martini-Henry rifle with slender barrel of cast steel and wooden sighting plate with gold wire-inlaid floral motifs, the wood stock and butt plate with silver wire-inlaid ornamentation, wood butt plate also comprises carving of military devices

Formerly in the collects ion of a Princely Ottoman Family

Overall in very good condition. wood has some scratches but inlaid work is wholly intact, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Martini rifles were supplied to the Ottoman forces in large numbers. Following the victory of the Prussians in Europe in 1866, the Ottomans instituted major military reforms inaugurated by Hussein Avni Pasha in 1869. As a result, in the war against Russia in 1877-8, Ottoman troops were armed with Martini Henry and Snider rifles as well as the new metal cartridge which the Russians did not yet possess.

In south-western Persia the huge quantities of Martini rifles supplied by British arms dealers reached the point where it was said locally that 'Martini Khan' was 'Shah' and anarchy reigned. It is recorded that no adult male of any social consequence could find a wife if he did not own a rifle (Elgood, R., The Arms and Armour of Arabia in the 18th-19th and 20th Centuries, London, 1994).