{"product_id":"original-portuguese-kropatschek-m-1886-89-colonial-infantry-rifle-made-by-oewg-steyr-dated-1886-serial-i767","title":"Original Portuguese Kropatschek M.1886\/89 Colonial Infantry Rifle made by ŒWG Steyr dated 1886 - Serial I767","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur example is a \"attic fresh\" condition long colonial rifle version, officially designated the \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEspingarda de Infantaria 8 mm m\/1886\/89\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e: 8 mm Infantry Rifle. It is fitted with a 32.3\" barrel and a full length 8 round tube magazine under the barrel. The only difference between the m\/1866 and m\/1886\/89 is the addition of a wooden handguard on top of the barrel for colonial service. This is only the third example we have had of one with an intact handguard, which were retrofitted onto the already produced m\/1886 rifles. It definitely does look to have seen tropical colonial service, and definitely shows long term exposure to moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOurs is marked on the left rear receiver with \u003cstrong\u003eM.1886\u003c\/strong\u003e and the metalwork is in good shape, with the markings easily legible, though there are definitely spots of surface rusting. The front left is marked with \u003cstrong\u003eŒ.W.F.G. STEYR \/ 1886\u003c\/strong\u003e, for \u003cem\u003eÖsterreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft\u003c\/em\u003e, (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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSerial number \u003cstrong\u003eI767\u003c\/strong\u003e is marked on the barrel and receiver, while the bolt is a non matching arsenal replacement with different serial numbers. This is very common to see on these rifles, which were in service for some time, especially the colonial service examples. The receiver is also marked in the left center with \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ L.I.\u003c\/strong\u003e, for King LUIS 1st who reigned 1838 until 1889. The stock has been reconditioned at some point, so the serial number and cartouches are completely missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in \"salty\" service used condition with both sling swivels and original side mounted cleaning rod present, with the cleaning rod unfortunately having become rust frozen in the stock. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is a bit of wear to the lands, so the rifle did see some level of service, but was well cared for, having been greased long ago to protect it, along with the rest of the action. Definitely a great bore considering that this saw colonial service!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle cycles and dry fires, and the magazine cutoff functions as designed. The trigger return spring is worn or broken, so the trigger has to be returned forward manually, and the safety will not turn to the safe position. The rear sight is complete, though currently frozen with rust. The exterior condition shows exposure to the elements as well as wear from long term storage. The metalwork has oxidation, especially on the barrel around the woodline and on the lower barrel band. The butt plate also has a fair amount of rusting, along with the trigger guard. The stock shows staining from rust and exposure, though no major cracks or other damage. There is a gouge on the left side, which looks to be from part of the wood grain falling out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHard to find in any condition with an intact hand guard, this rifle definitely looks to have \"really been there\". Ready to restore or display as is!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYears of Manufacture: 1886\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: Portuguese 8×60mmR\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32.3 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 52 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction type: Bolt Action\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: 8 Round Tube Magazine w\/ Cutoff\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42030526398533,"sku":"ONSV23NOS51","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23NOS51__01.jpg?v=1726687363","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-portuguese-kropatschek-m-1886-89-colonial-infantry-rifle-made-by-oewg-steyr-dated-1886-serial-i767","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}