Original Portuguese Kropatschek M.1886 Infantry Rifle by ŒWG Steyr Dated 1886 with Flame Figured Stock - Serial X587

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, and has fantastic golden colored flame figured stock, something we rarely see on these rifles! 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 X587 is marked on the barrel, receiver, while the stock is faintly marked with C714, and the bolt has D811 on all components. Arsenal replacement with parts from several different rifles is a very common thing to see on these rifles, which were in service for some time. The receiver bears a Portuguese Crown over L.I. on the left side, for King LUIS 1st who reigned 1838 until 1889. This rifle still has remnants of both butt stock cartouches, however they are unfortunately too faint to read. Originally the left side would have had a Portuguese Crown over L.I., while the right side would have had an Œ. W. G. Steyr dated rondel.

Offered in very good used condition, the rifle still has both sling swivels as well as the side mounted cleaning rod, which often is very often missing. The rifle cycles correctly, and the magazine cutoff functions as designed, though we cannot guarantee that the rifle still feeds correctly. The bolt extractor and firing pin are both present, and the "wing" safety on the bolt is functional as well. The front sight is still present, the rear sight is fully functional and complete. The bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is some wear, and the grooves are mostly dark, showing past oxidation and fouling, but no major rust issues

The exterior condition of the wood stock is great, and it has a lovely flame figured grain pattern with a high amount of chatoyancy. It does look like the stock was given a reconditioning at arsenal, which has made the original stock cartouches on both sides faint. There are also the usual small dents, dings, and other signs of use, and there is a small crack on the right side of the stock by the receiver. There are slots cut in the stock next to the barrel, so this stock was outfit for colonial service, but the handguard later removed. The metalwork still retains the blued finish quite well parts of the barrel and receiver, with other components worn to a matte gray patina, particularly on the fittings.

Hard to find in this original condition, especially with a flame figured stock! 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.