Treasures of the Khyber Pass - "Martini Henry" edition

[Patrick Chadwick]

Not all 100% fakes. The B.S.A.&M.Co. looks like a genuine receiver, the II being offset because it was upgraded from a MkI and the second I was added on the right of the first I.
The trigger looks original - compare it with the one in the second photo, which (as usual for fakes) fails to achieve the fine sweeping curve of an original. Same applies to the recess in the block.

The barrel could also be OK, although ever since I found an M-H with markings that were simply too crisp to be true, and under an eyeglass appeared to have in fact been photo-etched, I am very reluctant to give markings a positive verdict by a photo alone. (Once again, it was the inconsistency that aroused my suspicion in that case)

I think you may have missed a near-enough original M-H MkII there! The first rule of markets is "I may never come this way again" - as demonstrated in your case! I.e. sometimes one has to decide on the spot on the basis of incomplete information. But it was a long learning curve to achieve the necessary level of confidence before I dared to buy my M-H!

The problem is, for about 200 years everything in Afghanistan that could go "bang" has been recycled. As a result, many fakes include some genuine parts. Back in the 19th and early 20th century the primary aim was to "keep 'em banging", not faking. The out-and-out fakery for the souvenir trade is (my guess) post WWII.

My general rule in assessing old artefacts is to look for inconsistencies. But with guns out of Afghanistan it is almost the norm that they are inconsistent. If I was looking for an M-H I would be happy to find an original barrel/receiver/block combination as being the heart of the rifle, other components being replaceable or repairable.

BTW, please note how often I use wording like "seems/ appears/could be..." If I have learnt one thing in evaluating old guns over the years, it is that while one can often spot a fake on a photo, it is much more difficult to make a positive evaluation! So I may be wrong in my judgement of the rifles shown in your photos.