VERY RARE Zulu War Era, Swinburns Patent, 577x450 Obsolete Calibre, Natal Government Contract Carbine Retailed By J & R Blakemore, London. Sn - 21482 VERY RARE Zulu War Era, Swinburns Patent, 577x450 Obsolete Calibre, Natal Government Contract Carbine Retailed By J & R Blakemore, London. Sn - 21482 Single Shot .45 Rifles

This is a Swinburns Patent carbine in 577x450 Martini Henry calibre. The carbine would have been part of an order of 2040 carbines ordered in 1878 for the Natal Volunteer military units, the weapons needed due to the warlike Zulus across the border to the settlers. The Natal Volunteers had a freedom to buy their guns and the Swinburn guns were in the British service Martini Henry 577x450 calibre. This carbine would have been used by the Natal Mounted Volunteers (AS SEEN IN THE FILM ZULU) and is stamped at the right hand side of the barrel near the breach the number V670. These carbines had were 39 ½ inches in length. This carbine measures 39 ½ inches long with a 23 ½ inch barrel which is stocked to 4 ½ inches from the muzzle and has a bayonet lug attached to the barrel for a sword bayonet which carries the number 264. The left side of the lock plate is stamped J & R BLAKEMORE LONDON above SWINBURNS PATENT. The barrel is stamped on the left hand side HENRY’S PATENT A&T 1.270 together with London proof marks with the inspectors stamp JK.L. The barrel is fitted with a ramp and ladder carbine size rear sight graduated to 800 yards and a blade foresight. The carbine has an excellent walnut stock which is chequered to the grip and forend. The steel butt plate has a spring loaded opening trap door for a cleaning rod. The guns bore is clean with well defined rifling and the loading and firing actions work as they should. The price includes UK delivery. NB This is an antique obsolete calibre rifle and no licence is required to own it in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 21482