USA Martini Henry Peabody Variant 1874

This rifle is not what it initially appears to be when you look closely!
This is not a Mark 1 Martini Henry manufactured in Britain but a scarce Peabody Martini manufactured in the USA for the Turkish Army.
The Turks wanted an exact copy of the British Martini, hence the similarity but there are some differences that stand out. The rifle is missing the Mk1 and Crowned VR stamps and has a safety catch forward of the trigger. The most significant difference is that the Turkish rifle is chambered for it’s own unique cartridge, the 11.3 x 59R which is often referred to as the .45 Turkish.
This is an early rifle and is an 1874 Type A model with a serial number of F32. It was manufactured by the Providence Tool Company.
The Ottoman Empire was a significant military force in the 19th Century and these Martini derivatives were replaced by Mauser Bolt Action Rifles and most were scrapped. They were still in use during WW1 but Turkey being on the wrong side of the Armistice having allied to Axis forces ensured that remaining stockpiles were destroyed.
There is significant research information available about these interesting rifles and this one would make a good addition to a Martini collection. As can be seem the wood is decent, and the bore has good rifling. The rifle is mechanically sound and works flawlessly.
A scarce and interesting rifle.

Code: 50575