Rare 1901 Portuguese 8mm M/89 Kropatschek Wooden Bullet Ammunition Packet – INERT

An exceptionally interesting and scarce Portuguese military 8mm M/89 Kropatschek wooden-bullet training ammunition packet, manufactured by Fábrica da Pólvora and dated 1901. The original paper wrapper is clearly printed: “10 Cartuchos com bala simulada de 8mm/89” indicating a packet of ten 8mm M/89 cartridges fitted with “bala simulada” – simulated/wooden bullets. The label additionally specifies a 3 gram charge of F.F. powder and the date 1901. These cartridges were produced for the Portuguese 8mm Kropatschek military rifle system. Surviving examples are commonly referred to by collectors as 8×56R Portuguese Kropatschek, although period Portuguese nomenclature is the more appropriate 8mm M/89. Collector research confirms the wooden-projectile version and notes that case lengths can vary because older cases were sometimes reused for training ammunition. Included is an additional original red Fábrica da Pólvora label dated 1902, marked for 100 cartridges, making this an especially attractive group for an advanced Portuguese, Kropatschek or early military ammunition collection. One cartridge displays the characteristic long wooden projectile. The visible headstamp appears to read F.A. / 1900 with stars/dividing lines. Contemporary collector research associates F.A. with Portuguese Fábrica de Armas manufacture from this period. The original packet remains tied with string and shows expected age-related wear, tears and exposed cartridge bases. I would leave it exactly like this rather than attempting to restore or re-wrap it. Historical collector/display item only. Sold as INERT in accordance with the item's stated condition.