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Product Details
* A RARE ROMANIAN .450 MARTINI SERVICE CARBINE, SIGNED WITTEN, serial no. 158,
dated 1879, with 22 1/2in. barrel, falling-block action, unmarked receiver, left side of butt with 'WITTEN / 1879' crown and belt roundel, fore-end stamped '158', refinished, missing clearing rod
Provenance: Following the Russo-Turkish War, the Romanian Army was impressed by the performance of the Martini-Henry rifle in Turkish service and looked to buy Martinis. Unable to get rifles made in Britain, a license was purchased to manufacture guns in .45 Gatling which was taken to the Witten factory in Germany. An initial contract for 60,000 rifles and 8,000 carbines was accepted by the factory and soon completed. However, by the time the Romanians returned requesting additional guns, the factory had gone bankrupt, and subsequent orders were given to OEWG Steyr in Austria.
* Please note this item is subject to 5% VAT on the hammer price (UK Buyers only).
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Estimate £500-700
Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament