Original Portuguese Contract M1896 Mannlicher Short Rifle in 6.5×53mmR by Œ.W.G. Steyr - Serial B693
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a Portuguese contract M1896 Mannlicher short rifle, made at Œ.W.G. Steyr in Austria. These are essentially the same as the Mannlicher M1893 made for the Kingdom of Romania, and use the same 6.5×53mmR "Romanian" cartridge. These were ordered by the Kingdom of Portugal in 1896, when they bought about 12,500 6.5mm Mannlicher rifles and carbines from Steyr for the Navy and Cavalry, along with some more in 1898 for the Artillery. These rifles carry "CI" crests for Carlos I of Portugal.
This example bears serial number B693 on the front right receiver, however the other serial numbers on the rifle are non-matching, indicating long service and arsenal parts replacement. It is correctly marked with the CROWN / CI Portuguese royal crest over the chamber, and there is another faint crest on the right side of the butt stock. It is marked STEYR 1896 on the left side of the receiver indicating it was manufactured in 1896 by Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft, (ŒWG, Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company), a legendary factory with a long history.
There is also a Century Arms import marking (C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.) on the left side of the receiver next to the hand guard, which incorrectly identifies it as an "M1893 ROUMANIAN". The Crest of Carlos I is definitive for a Portuguese contract rifle.
Condition is very nice, with a great used look. Loads of patination all over. The stock is solid, but does show decades of service wear, which has given it a look that is impossible to duplicate. The bore is in very good condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. There is just a bit of wear and oxidation present. The rifle cycles and dry fires correctly.
Uncommon and in very good condition. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1896
Caliber: 6.5×53mmR "Romanian"
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 24 Inches
Overall Length: 43 1/2 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round En-bloc clip Internal Magazine
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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 most US States and most U.S. territories.
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 most addresses within the United States.
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