Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this falling-block rifle today for a penny-start auction; this is the Navy Arms Co. Martini Henry Rifle!
According to the consigner, this rifle has never had more than 20 rounds fired through it, and we see no evidence to indicate otherwise!
Navy Arms Co. purchased the W.W. Greener Museum and acquired ownership of W.W. Greener for approximately five days before selling the company to Webley & Scott. However, Navy Arms retained the rights to the Greener Harpoon Gun and the Greener Police Cartridge.
The story of Navy Arms is deeply intertwined with the evolution of firearm history, both in America and abroad. Founded in 1957 by Val Forgett Sr. in a modest bank building in Bogota, New Jersey, Navy Arms grew to become a transformative force in the firearms industry. Known as the "Father of the Replica Firearms Industry," Forgett's pioneering vision brought historical firearms back to life for collectors, shooters, and reenactors. One of the more intriguing chapters in Navy Arms' legacy involves the brief ownership of W.W. Greener of Birmingham, England, one of the most storied gunmakers in British history. Though Navy Arms sold W.W. Greener to Webley & Scott shortly after acquisition, they retained rights to several unique Greener designs, including the Greener Police Cartridge and the famed Greener Light Harpoon Gun. These retained designs, particularly the Martini-actioned Harpoon Gun, opened a pathway for Navy Arms to explore the use of surplus or custom-built Martini actions in specialty rifles. The Martini–Henry action, itself a blend of the Peabody dropping-block and Henry’s polygonal rifling, was a robust and accurate platform well-suited for unique firearm builds.
A custom rifle built under the Navy Arms banner using a W.W. Greener Martini action would have carried the historical legacy of British military engineering infused with American ingenuity and commercial appeal. Drawing from the rugged, single-shot lever-action mechanism of the Martini–Henry, and Greener’s continued refinement of the design, such a rifle would have offered modern craftsmanship wrapped in a proven 19th-century blueprint. These rifles may have been built from authentic Greener components—possibly surplus military actions or harpoon gun receivers—rebarreled and restocked to suit various civilian shooting disciplines. Whether chambered in traditional black powder calibers or adapted for more contemporary rounds, these custom Martini rifles would appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate historical function with bespoke detail. The partnership between the iconic Martini action and Navy Arms’ dedication to producing functional, collector-grade firearms ensures that any such rifle would be as mechanically capable as it is historically fascinating.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Navy Arms Co
Model: Martini Henry Rifle
Serial: 277
Caliber: 45-70
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 33.5"
Optics/Sights: Flip-Up Adjustable Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front / J. Unertl Opt. Co. Scope #81508
Stock/Grips: Smooth Gloss Walnut Stock w/ Checkered Pistol Grip and Forearm
Action: Falling-Block / Single-Shot
Markings: Standard / “NAVY ARMS CO” Right Side of Receiver, “BNP” Left Side of Receiver
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Navy Arms Company, founded in 1956 by Val Forgett, Jr., is a pioneering name in the reproduction firearms industry. Based in Martinsburg, West Virginia, the company played a critical role in reviving interest in historical firearms, particularly those from the American Civil War and the Old West. Forgett, often called the "father of modern black powder shooting," began by importing replica muzzleloaders from Italy, working closely with Italian manufacturers like Uberti and Pietta to ensure historical accuracy and quality. Navy Arms quickly gained a reputation for offering authentic reproductions of classic firearms, including flintlocks, cap-and-ball revolvers, and lever-action rifles. Over the decades, the company expanded its product line to include surplus military rifles and custom-grade firearms, often blending historical aesthetics with modern precision. Today, Navy Arms remains a respected name among collectors, reenactors, and enthusiasts of antique and replica firearms.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: Martini Henry Rifle
Serial: 277
Caliber: 45-70
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 33.5"
Optics/Sights: Flip-Up Adjustable Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front / J. Unertl Opt. Co. Scope #81508
Stock/Grips: Smooth Gloss Walnut Stock w/ Checkered Pistol Grip and Forearm
Action: Falling-Block / Single-Shot
Markings: Standard / “NAVY ARMS CO” Right Side of Receiver, “BNP” Left Side of Receiver
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Navy Arms Company, founded in 1956 by Val Forgett, Jr., is a pioneering name in the reproduction firearms industry. Based in Martinsburg, West Virginia, the company played a critical role in reviving interest in historical firearms, particularly those from the American Civil War and the Old West. Forgett, often called the "father of modern black powder shooting," began by importing replica muzzleloaders from Italy, working closely with Italian manufacturers like Uberti and Pietta to ensure historical accuracy and quality. Navy Arms quickly gained a reputation for offering authentic reproductions of classic firearms, including flintlocks, cap-and-ball revolvers, and lever-action rifles. Over the decades, the company expanded its product line to include surplus military rifles and custom-grade firearms, often blending historical aesthetics with modern precision. Today, Navy Arms remains a respected name among collectors, reenactors, and enthusiasts of antique and replica firearms.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
