{"product_id":"original-portuguese-kropatschek-m-1886-infantry-rifle-made-by-oewg-steyr-dated-1886-serial-z612-1","title":"Original Portuguese Kropatschek M.1886 Infantry Rifle made by ŒWG Steyr dated 1886 - Serial Z612","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 very good service used condition long rifle version, officially designated the \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEspingarda de Infantaria 8 mm m\/1886\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. Ours is marked on the receiver with \u003cstrong\u003eM.1886\u003c\/strong\u003e and :- \u003cstrong\u003eŒ.W.F.G. STEYR \/ 1886 \u003c\/strong\u003efor \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\u003eZ612\u003c\/strong\u003e is marked on the barrel and receiver, while the markings on the stock are non-matching. The bolt is an arsenal replacement with all parts marked \u003cstrong\u003eJ639\u003c\/strong\u003e, very common to see on these rifles, which were in service for some time. The receiver bears a \u003cstrong\u003ePortuguese Crown over L.I.\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left side, for King LUIS 1st who reigned 1838 until 1889. The butt stock cartouches on both sides have been worn away due to service and cleaning.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good service used condition, the rifle still has both sling swivels, though the side mounted cleaning rod is missing. Bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear to the lands, with the grooves somewhat dark from fouling and oxidation. The rifle cycles correctly, and the magazine cutoff functions as designed. The \"wing\" safety on the bolt is functional, but takes a good amount of force to engage. The rear sight is fully functional and complete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exterior condition is consistent with long service, and was most likely arsenal reconditioned at some point, which is why the cartouches have been worn away. It has a nice light brown color, with scratches and dents as would be seen from service, and some staining need to the metal components of the rifle. There is also a hole in the left side of the stock with cracks radiating forward, though we do not know what caused it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metalwork still retains the blued finish quite well parts of the barrel and receiver, with other components worn to a gray patina. There are slots cut into the stock on either side of the barrel on the top of the stock, and based on how the bluing is better retained in that area, this definitely looks to have had a handguard and been in colonial service in the past. This would also explain why there is some pit rust on the barrel, as is common when in contact with wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHard to find in this original condition. Ready to display!\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":42202784038981,"sku":"ONJR24RECT033","price":1095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24RECT033__01.jpg?v=1733779602","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-portuguese-kropatschek-m-1886-infantry-rifle-made-by-oewg-steyr-dated-1886-serial-z612-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}