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 a very good condition long rifle version, officially designated the Espingarda de Infantaria 8 mm m/1886: 8 mm Infantry Rifle. It is fitted with a 32.3" barrel and a full length 8 round tube magazine under the barrel. 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.

Serial number D732 is marked on the barrel and receiver, while the stock and bolt are non-matching, arsenal replaced with from parts from several different rifles. This is a very common thing to see on these rifles, which were in service for some time. The receiver bears a faint Portuguese Crown over L.I. on the left side, for King LUIS 1st who reigned 1838 until 1889. These rifles were originally marked on the sides of the butt stock with round cartouches, however wear and cleaning have made them faint. The original "Portuguese Crown over L.I." marking is just a ghost, and the serial number is completely gone. The right side is has the Steyr dated rondel, which is faintly legible:-

M * 1886
Œ.
W. G.
STEYR 1886

Offered in very good used condition, the rifle still has both sling swivels as well as the side mounted cleaning rod, which often is missing. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear we can see, and no real fouling or oxidation to speak off. The rifle cycles correctly with dry firing, and the magazine cutoff functions as designed, as is the "wing" safety on the back of the bolt. The rear sight is functional, however it is a replacement of a type that we have not seen before. It definitely looks period however.

The exterior condition of the wood stock is consistent with long service, but we can still see original markings, so it does not look to have had an arsenal recondition at any point. There are some dents, chips, and gouges consistent with use in service, and it has a lovely dark brown color, showing some nice grain. There are no slots cut into the forestock next to the barrel for attachment of a tropical handguard, so this rifle shows no signs of having been in colonial service. The metalwork overall shows a lovely worn patina from long service and cleanings.

Hard to find in this original condition, especially with such a great bore! 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

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.

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.