Martini Henry Cavalry Carbine Hand Guard

These hand guards were introduced in October 1885 to protect the hand from the heat of the barrel when firing rapidly

Made from high quality leather and hand dyed, it comes complete with the leather lace

Entry No. 4937 in the List of Changes in British War Material states that ‘They are of brown leather and are provided with eyelets on each side, through which the lace is passed to secure them in a convenient position on the weapon.’ ‘The guard for the carbine differs from that for the rifle, principally in having spaces cut in it to allow of its being put on immediately over the backsight.’

The spaces cut also allow for the fitting of the leather sight cover (view)