Simon, a MLM Mk1 (no star) - that's very rare indeed!
I seem to remember that rifles were numbered several months in advance, (hence the occasional 1902 dated rifle with a Victorian crown), so an 1889 rifle was possibly made in 1888.
I think a detailed picture series for the Knowledge Libraryicon is called for... woul the Moderators agree?
What is the history behind this? It's not one from Nepal, is it?