Original Portuguese Kropatschek M.1886 Infantry Rifle made by ŒWG Steyr Dated 1886 - Serial I129

Original Item: One one Available. In 1886 ALFRED VON KROPATSCHEK designed an 8mm rimmed cartridge rifle that became the fore runner to the French LEBEL. Known as the 1886 Kropatschek Rifle it's big customer was PORTUGAL. Production lasted from 1886 until 1898, however many saw service in the First World War and later in the Spanish Civil War of the 1930's. Kropatschek's rifles used a tubular magazine (constructed of nickel-plated steel) of his design, of the same type used in the German Mauser Gewehr 1871/84 and the Japanese Type 22 Murata. While designed for black powder, the Kropatschek action proved to be strong enough to handle smokeless powder. Our example is a very good condition long rifle version, officially designated the Espingarda de Infantaria 8 mm m/1886: 8 mm Infantry Rifle. It is fitted with a 32.3" barrel and a full length 8 round tube magazine under the barrel. Ours is marked on the receiver with M.1886 and :- Œ.W.F.G. STEYR / 1886 for Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft, (ŒWG, Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company), also commonly referred to as Steyr Werke. Steyr is an Austrian City just outside Vienna and at the time was the home of the entire Austrian arms production. They made Kropatschek rifles under contract for shipment to Portugal. Serial number I129 is marked on the barrel and receiver, while the stock and bolt are non-matching, arsenal replaced with from parts from several different rifles. This is a very common thing to see on these rifles, which were in service for some time. The receiver bears a Portuguese Crown over L.I. on the left side, for King LUIS 1st who reigned 1838 until 1889. This rifle still has both butt stock cartouches mostly intact, a real rarity. The left side has a clear Portuguese Crown over L.I. next to serial B991, while the right side is has the Steyr dated rondel: M * 1886 Œ. W. G. STEYR 1886 Offered in very good used condition, the rifle still has both sling swivels as well as the side mounted cleaning rod, which often is missing. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear we can see, as well as a bit of darkening in the grooves. The rifle cycles correctly with dry firing, and the magazine cutoff functions as designed. The "wing" safety on the bolt is functional, however the bolt handle gets stuck when rotating to the right, so it must be slammed down hard or the safety will not be able to move. The rear sight is fully functional and complete. The exterior condition of the wood stock is consistent with long service, but we can still see original markings, so it does not look to have had an arsenal recondition at any point. There are some dents, chips, and gouges consistent with use in service, and it has a lovely dark brown color, showing some nice grain. There slots cut in the stock next to the barrel, so this rifle was at one point fitted with a handguard for colonial service. The metalwork overall shows a lovely worn patina from long service and cleanings. Hard to find in this original condition, especially with such a great bore! Ready to display! Specifications- Years of Manufacture: 1886 Caliber: Portuguese 8×60mmR Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge Barrel Length: 32.3 inches Overall Length: 52 Inches Action type: Bolt Action Feed System: 8 Round Tube Magazine w/ Cutoff NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.