IMA

Has anyone had any experience dealing with "International Military Antiques" in the US?
I am thinking about in a .577 Snider mkIII or a Martini-Henry mkIV , but am unsure if I can trust some one in the company to pick out a descent useable rifle and not sell me something useless.
Any advise from some one who has dealt with these folks would be appreciated. Thanks.

You get what you get from them, usually it's the best they have. When you choose a special select it's the best one at the time. The longer you wait, the worse it becomes until you get junk. Sometimes with those deals from "Under the Kabul Palace" storage bins you might be better ordering two so you have one to cannibalize. On the other hand, I know a man ordered a rifle and received a dust covered gem. They're an above board business though, they've been at this for years. If you want a 577 Snider that's here in Canada though, PM me and I can put you onto one in Victoria BC...

The extra money for “hand select” just means they pull three or four, give them a quick glance and send the one that looks best.

Good company. I have never had a problem with them.

As per the above. I purchased supposedly hand-select bayonet from them that was absolute rubbish, returned it with a written complaint and they sent me an apology and a replacement bayonet that was at least presentable. That was years ago though. Recent dealings with them have been rare but worthwhile.

I consider them reputable for whatever my opinion is worth.

I bought a cleaned and complete Martini Henry MKIV and it is in excellent shape. I did pay the extra 10% for a hand select one though.

Ordered a lot of things from them. Never had any complaints. A lot of cool stuff, but they can be expensive.

Have purchased from them over the years, hit and miss on quality. The reproduction item is no better then you get from any other source from my experience. Have returned some items as poorly made and got a replacement without drama so they will stand behind what is sold. As to the rifles you mention, I have seen several in person and I would state that an untouched rifle is most likely a wall hanger at best. If you want a shooter go elsewhere, and examine the gun in person. And of course, ammo is difficult to find, and expensive. Be sure you know what your getting into.

I bought a hand selected Brown Bess from IMA last year for restoration, I was surprised to get a call from Christian, the owner, he wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting and that it needed plenty of work. He helped me selecting just the right parts that I was after. We also had a good chat about the rag trade in East London in which he was involved in another life. Not cheap but a good guy, good company, would do business with them again.

An Excellent Company
interesting items.