A collaboration between the Australian Army and Northern Territory Police has led to the recovery of a stolen century-old rifle.

The rifle was stolen from a Ludmilla home on 10 November and belonged to the victim’s grandfather, who served in the British forces in conflicts in Colonial India and China during World War I.

The rifle was with him throughout his service.

Sergeant Kaye Pemberton from Strike Force Trident said information led police to a dam at Lee Point.

“Due to its strong military background, NT Police sought assistance from the Australian Army in recovering the firearm,” she said.

“Divers from the 1st Brigade's 1st Combat Engineer Regiment carried out the search, locating the rifle within an hour of the search commencing.”

A 16-year-old male has been charged with:

• Unlawful entry
• Unlawful use of a motor vehicle
• Stealing

The rifle will now be returned to the owner.