Original Portuguese Kropatschek M.1886/89 Colonial Infantry Rifle by ŒWG Steyr Serial JJ157 Dated 1886 with Bayonet & Scabbard - Missing Handguard

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 service used 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 example definitely had the handguard at one point, and has the spring slots on the sides of the barrel, however it was lost at some point. These tended to trap moisture against the barrel and rot out, so they were often removed. The rifle definitely does look to have seen tropical colonial service, and definitely shows long term exposure to moisture.

Ours is marked on the left rear receiver with M.1886 and the metalwork is in good shape, with the markings mostly legible, though there are definitely spots of surface rusting and overall oxidation. The front left is marked with 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 JJ157 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 a faint CROWN / L.I., for King LUIS 1st who reigned 1838 until 1889. The stock has been reconditioned at some point, so the serial number and cartouches are faint or missing.

Offered in solid 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 partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is overall oxidation, so the finish is now somewhat gray, and there is a bit of oxidation pitting near the muzzle. Definitely looks to have seen a good amount of use in a moist environment.

The rifle cycles correctly, and the magazine cutoff functions as designed, though we have no way to check to see if it will still feed. The safety is functional as well, and the rear sight is fully functional and complete. 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 wood line and on the lower barrel band. The butt plate also has a fair amount of past oxidation, along with the trigger guard. The stock shows staining from rust and exposure, and there is some cracking on the upper butt stock near the butt plate.

The included bayonet is extremely scarce and hard to find, and we have only had a few before in our entire history! The design is relatively standard, with a single edged blade that has a very slight "Yataghan" curve to it. It is marked on the spine with a partial Steyr 1866., and comes The bayonet comes complete with its original steel scabbard, marked Œ / W G on the frog hook. It has serial number G76 on the crossguard, and an "X" arsenal marking on the ricasso that matches the marking on the bolt. For more information please see Watts & White’s fine work THE BAYONET BOOK, Page 243, item 545. Condition is very good, and the scabbard fits well. It correctly locks onto the front of the rifle.

Hard to find in any condition, this rifle definitely looks to have "really been there", and even has the rare bayonet! Ready to restore or display as is!

Specifications (Rifle):-

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

Specifications (Bayonet):-
Blade Length: 18 1/2"
Blade Style: Single-Edged Yataghan
Overall length: 23 1/2"
Crossguard: 4”
Scabbard Length: 19 1/4"

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