Original Austrian Made 1883 Boer Peabody-Martini Rifle by ŒWG Steyr in 11.43×59mmR Romanian - serial 5681
Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Martini-Henry falling block system was arguably one of the most popular designs of the late 19th Century, being the primary weapon of the British Military for almost 20 years. Refit and surplus British rifles continued to serve for decades after the introduction of the Lee-Metford in 1888. However, the British were not the only country to use the system, and the design was adopted by many other countries. They were also made commercially in England, Germany, Belgium, and elsewhere.
One prominent company that became engaged in Military and Commercial production was the famous Austrian arms company, Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft, (ŒWG, Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company). Also commonly referred to as Steyr Werke, they were located in Steyr, just outside Vienna, and at the time was the home of the entire Austrian arms production. Romania had seen the Turkish M1874 Peabody-Martini Rifle produced by Providence Tool Co. in the United States, and decided to order these from& ŒWG Steyr, chambered in 11.43×59mmR Romanian, a necked down cartridge somewhat like the ones used by the British and Turkish Martini-Henry Rifles. From the exterior, the British, Turkish, and Romanian Martini-Henry rifles look for the most part identical, except for small details like the sight and markings.
Our example has the large OE WG monogram on the left side of the receiver, with STEYR * 1883 in the center. The right side of the receiver is just marked with serial number 5681, which matches the faded number on the barrel. However, there are NO Romanian markings on this rifle, which would normally be on the right side of the receiver.
This is a commercial version of the M1879 Romanian Peabody-Martini, usally called the "1883 Boer Steyr Peabody Martini Henry Rifle." In 1883 following the First Boer War, the the Transvaal / South African Republic required additional arms for defense and the possibility of the British deciding to reclaim the territory. Already familiar with the British Martini-Henry, they went to Steyr, who supplied them with the commercial version of the Romanian rifles in 1883.
Condition of the rifle is quite good, showing a lovely worn patina on most of the metalwork. The stock is also in good shape, though the forestock is a bit loose. The Steyr design did not use the same cross pin hardware that the British did close to the receiver. The action works well, cycling correctly with a crisp dry fire. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, but also some wear and oxidation. Both sling swivels are present, and the rear sight is intact and fully functional.
A very nice example of a hard to find Martini-Henry Variant! Ready to research and display!
Specifications-
Years of Manufacture: 1883
Caliber: 11.43×59mmR Romanian Peabody
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 33 Inches
Overall Length: 49 1/2 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot
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.
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This product is not available for shipping in US state(s)
New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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