breech loading rifle

Breech-loading 'falling block' rifle, made by the Westley Richards Arms & Ammunition Company in 1871, using a design patented by the Scottish arms manufacturer Alexander Henry. The rifle was made to order and purchased by the government of New South Wales, Australia, and has a stamp on the stock, reading 'N S W'.

Label: The riflre is accompanied by a handwritten label. It reads 'British Henry rifle of 1871. / Calibre 450', single-shot. / Submitted for examination + / possible adoption in 1871 by Brit. / Army, failed when in competition / with Martini-Henry.'

Purchased by the government of New South Wales (Australia). Issued in New South Wales between 1872 and 1885. They may have seen some action in the Sudan. Now an antique. Westley Richards hold archives including details of purchasers.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
32.126
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 1265 mm x 56 mm x 150 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
iron; wood
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
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Collection Information

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