Item:
ONSV21MAX14

Original Portuguese Kropatschek M.1886 Infantry Rifle made by ŒWG Steyr dated 1886 - Serial QQ378

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 excellent 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 QQ378 is marked on the barrel and receiver, while the marking on the stock has been worn away over the years. The bolt is an arsenal replacement with mismatched numbers. The receiver bears Portuguese Crown over L.I., for King LUIS 1st who reigned 1838 until 1889.

Offered in very good condition with both sling swivels and original side mounted cleaning rod present. Bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish and clear lands and grooves. Stock is very good as well, with just a few dents and chips, and a wonderful finish. It does look to have been arsenal reconditioned, so the butt stock cartouches are hard to read. The metalwork still has a lot of the original blue present, with a bright steel bolt showing a bit of staining. The rifle cycles correctly, and the magazine cutoff functions as designed, though it is a bit sticky due to dried grease.

Hard to find in this wonderful condition. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1886
Caliber: Portuguese  8×60mmR
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32.3 inches

Overall Length: 48 Inches
Action type: Bolt Action
Feed System: 8 Round Tube Magazine w/ Cutoff

MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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