Original Portuguese Kropatschek M.1886/89 Colonial Infantry Rifle made by ŒWG Steyr dated 1886 - Serial U751
Item Description
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 an very good condition long colonial rifle version officially designated the Espingarda de Infantaria 8 mm m/1886/89: 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 the first example we have had of one with an intact handguard, which were retrofitted onto the already produced m/1886 rifles.
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. We can faintly see the Steyr stock cartouche on the right butt stock, but it is very faint due to wear and cleaning. There is the "ghost" of another cartouche on the left side.
Serial number U751 is marked on the barrel and receiver, with the same number marked very faintly on the left side of the butt stock. The bolt is an arsenal replacement marked X39 and NN581, very common to see on these rifles, which were in service for some time. The receiver bears Portuguese Crown over L.I., for King LUIS 1st who reigned 1838 until 1889.
Offered in very good service used condition with both sling swivels and original side mounted cleaning rod present. Bore is in good condition, with strong lands and grooves, though the overall finish is mostly dark, oxidized with fouling in the grooves. The rifle cycles correctly, and the magazine cutoff functions as designed. The rear sight is fully functional and complete.
The exterior condition is consistent with long service, and it looks to possibly have been reconditioned at arsenal long ago, as the original stock markings are very faint. It has a nice dark brown color, with scratches and dents as would be seen from service. The metalwork still retains the blued finish quite well, though it may have been arsenal reblued when the parts were replaced.
Hard to find in this original condition with an intact hand guard. 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
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This product is not available for shipping in US state(s)
New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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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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