Original Portuguese Kropatschek M.1886 Infantry Rifle made by ŒWG Steyr Dated 1886 - Serial L918

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 L918 is marked on the barrel, receiver, and left butt stock (faint), while the bolt is 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 barrel and receiver do look to have been completely refinished at some point, which has made some of the markings faint, and the stock also looks to have been refinished. There is still a visible Portuguese Crown over L.I. on the left side, for King LUIS 1st who reigned 1838 until 1889. There originally would have been another Portuguese cartouche on the left side of the butt stock, with a Steyr cartouche on the Right, however these are both now only "ghosts".

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 fully bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear to the corners of the lands that we can see, and it shows little to no signs of use otherwise, with no fouling or oxidation. The rifle cycles correctly, though there is some dried grease in the works, so sometimes the bolt fails to cock. The magazine cutoff functions as designed, as does the "wing" safety on the bolt, though it is quite stiff The rear sight is fully functional and complete.

The exterior condition of the wood stock is consistent with long service, so it was definitely returned to service after the stock was refinished at arsenal. There are some dents, chips, and gouges consistent with use in service, and it has a lovely dark brown color, showing some nice grain, particularly the butt stock area, where there is some "curl" present. There are slots cut in the stock next to the barrel, so this rifle was at one point fit with a handguard for colonial service. The metalwork still retains the blued finish quite well parts of the barrel and receiver, with other components worn to a plum patina.

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

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