Kropatschek Rifle……………………SOLD

A good example of the fascinating Kropatschek Model 1886 Infantry Rifle

This is a fine example of the sturdy and reliable Kropatschek Rifle designed in Austro-Hungary by its namesake.  Never really adopted in full by its original country (except by its navy) it crops-up in numerous first world war pre-war European countries.  It went on to influence the development of many other main line infantry weapons most notably the French Lebel rifle.

Chambered in 8mm x 60R. The action is basically a Mauser bolt system, it could be classified as a bolt action repeater but, not in the conventional sense, in that, there is no box magazine.  It is influenced by Winchester as it is fed by a tube magazine and employs a redesigned lifting mechanism which is also not unlike its American half cousin.  It is a physically large weapon measuring a full 52″ in overall length.  If you then add the bayonet it tops out at 70″ in total.  The round blued barrel is approx’ 31.1/2″ long (800mm) and the trigger pull is 13.1/4″ to centre.

Fully stocked in a European Walnut with patinaed ironwork fittings and an 8-shot tubular magazine under the barrel.  The blueing on the action is strong and the straight armed bolt finished in the white.  The bolt locks against the action by a rib which extends from the root of the handle, forward along its length, and there is a safety catch to the rear.  The catch is marked “X780”.

The action carries a number; “F233” on the lower RHS.  The model number is marked into the LHS of the action and reads “M1886″  Halfway down the same side is a royal cypher for King Luis the 1st of Portugal and the makers name is detail forward of that and reads; ” CE.W.F.G.  STEYR / 1886″  As the tube magazine is mounted in the fore-end the cleaning rod is stored held beneath the fore-end or muzzle band, the mid band and the rear band and disappears into the stock at that last point.  Sling swivels are on the underside of the butt and the mid band.  Condition is generally good.  The rifles furniture shows all the usual signs of a hard military life.  There are slight cracks and small sections of timber that are awol  but in general this Model 1886 is in correct shape for the life it has lead.

The rifle appears to function correctly with all its cut-off devices intact and operating.  A few years a certain company rather flooded the market with Kropatcheks’ and you couldn’t move without tripping over one.  The ones that were in that tidal import all seemed to have a slightly unbelievable Orangey finish to the woodwork and smacked heavily of over cleaning.  This one does not suffer that problem.   They are a more of a rare beast now and deserve a place in most military rifle collections.  This rifle includes a bayonet, with mildly curved yataghan type blade and wooden grips.  The blade is in good shape.

 

£ 670. SOLD

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