Gunroom

In 1871, Britain adopted its first purpose-built breechloading service rifle, the legendary .577/450 Martini-Henry. It was simple, robust and would serve the British Empire well, surviving in Indian service until World War I.

The Martini-Henry was an internationally inspired firearm. The falling-block action was patented by an American, Oliver Peabody, in 1862. This was modernised by a Swiss nobleman, Friedrich von Martini. He modified the inherently sound lever-operated falling