SOLD - Scarce Portuguese Kropatschek Model 1886 Short Rifle

Description

7/24/23 - This is a Scarce Portuguese Kropatschek Model 1886 Short Rifle, utilizing the iconic tubular magazine that many rifles copied in the late 18th century. Only 4,800 of this 26" short rifle variant were produced, making them exceedingly rare relative to the more common rifle and carbine. The Model 1886 was designed too late to enter Austro-Hungarian service as the Steyr Model 1886 Mannlicher had already been adopted. The Portuguese and the French Navy would take interest in adopting these rifles. The rifle is fully matching, on the barrel, bolt head, bolt body, rear of the bolt, safety flag, magazine body next to the cutoff, and stock. The metal has retained about 80% of its original finish, with visible patina on the receiver and barrel. The receiver is marked "CE.W.F.G Steyr 1886", a Crown over LI stamp, identifying it as the property of King Louis of Portugal, and "M.1886" on the rear of the receiver. The wood is in good overall condition, aside from a crack to the left of the receiver tang, and a small chip in front of the rear sight. The stock has a crisp cartouche and serial number. Bore is bright with strong rifling, and a little frost in the grooves. The rifle is missing its front barrel band. Antique, so no licensing required.