Westley Richards & Co. Martini-Henry — Made Specifically for Z.A.R. ZAR Lever Action .577/450 Martini-Henry Rifle

Westley Richards & Co. Martini-Henry — Made Specifically for Z.A.R., .577/450 — Serial No. 257831X

Description

A Westley Richards & Co. manufactured .577/450 Martini-Henry-pattern falling-block rifle, produced in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and specifically marked “MADE SPECIALLY FOR Z.A.R.” The rifle is serial numbered 257831X and retains significant original Westley Richards & Co. markings, including “WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO”, “HENRY rifling” and the original triangular proof/trade marking.

Approximately 7,000 rifles of this Westley Richards Z.A.R. Martini-Henry type were produced, making surviving examples of the pattern of particular historical and collector interest. The marking “MADE SPECIALLY FOR Z.A.R.” is particularly significant, identifying the rifle as one manufactured specifically for the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (South African Republic / Transvaal Republic). This provides a direct historical association with the Transvaal Republic and the late nineteenth-century international arms trade.

The rifle's manufacture for the Z.A.R. places it within the military and political history of southern Africa during the period of increasing tension between the Boer republics and the British Empire and the subsequent Second Anglo-Boer War. The Z.A.R. marking does not, however, by itself establish that serial 257831X was carried or used at a particular battle or by a particular Boer unit. Any specific battlefield or individual association would require additional documentary or physical evidence.

The rifle is incomplete and damaged, with the original buttstock present but with a section missing or damaged, and the forestock completely absent. Despite its incomplete condition, significant original metalwork and important factory and Z.A.R. markings remain. The surviving markings are central to the rifle's historical significance.

The rifle subsequently formed part of a British military armoury collection before being transferred to a serving officer in 2015. A formal letter of transfer was executed following its deactivation.

The rifle was deactivated in 2015 and issued deactivation certificate DA 54676. Following subsequent changes to the applicable deactivation requirements, the rifle was submitted for further examination in 2026 and issued certificate no. 13596.

Provenance documentation includes:

• Copy of British Army letter confirming transfer of ownership to the private collection.

• Copy of MOD 7677 Issue and Receipt Voucher document recording transfer to a serving officer.

• Copy of British military armoury ledger printout recording serial number 257831X.

• Copy of 2015 deactivation certificate DA 54676.

• Original 2026 deactivation certificate no. 13596.

• Photographic record of the original Westley Richards & Co. and “MADE SPECIALLY FOR Z.A.R.” markings.

Provenance: Westley Richards & Co., Birmingham → manufactured specifically for the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (Z.A.R.) → historical Z.A.R. / Transvaal association → intervening history presently undocumented → British military armoury collection → transfer to serving officer, 2015 → continuously retained in the same private collection.

If you require any further information, background, photos, etc, please let me know.

Reference: RHA-005

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