Offered here is an original Portuguese Model 1886 Kropatschek bolt-action infantry rifle, manufactured in 1886 by Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (OEWG), Steyr, Austria, for the Portuguese Army. Designed by Alfred von Kropatschek, the Model 1886 represents one of the last generations of tubular-magazine military rifles before smokeless powder repeating rifles became the standard across Europe. It also served as one of the important mechanical predecessors to the French Model 1886 Lebel, particularly through its tubular magazine system.
This rifle remains in its original infantry configuration, measuring approximately 133 cm (52.4") in overall length with an 82 cm (32.3") barrel, and is chambered for the original 8×60R Kropatschek cartridge. Unlike examples that were subsequently altered or converted, this rifle retains its original chambering, preserving its original military configuration. It retains the correct full-length tubular magazine, original ladder rear sight, original front sight assembly, and its original cleaning rod.
The receiver is correctly marked "OE.W.F.G. STEYR 1886" and retains Portuguese royal acceptance and military inspection marks, confirming its original military manufacture and service.
The visible receiver assembly is consistently numbered TT620, while the bolt assembly is consistently numbered HH668, with the visible bolt components remaining internally matching. No visible force-matched serial numbers were observed on the inspected components.
The walnut stock is exceptionally well preserved for a military rifle of this age. The wood remains solid and structurally stable, free from any major cracks or repairs, while retaining attractive original military character with only honest handling marks accumulated during service.
The metal components are likewise exceptionally well preserved, exhibiting a smooth, even appearance with sharp markings, crisp edges, and only light service wear consistent with careful long-term preservation.
The action cycles smoothly by manual inspection. The bore is a particular highlight, remaining bright with exceptionally strong, well-defined rifling—far superior to what is typically encountered on surviving nineteenth-century black powder military rifles.
An increasingly scarce example of the original Portuguese Model 1886 Kropatschek infantry rifle, retaining its original military configuration, desirable OEWG Steyr manufacture, original 8×60R Kropatschek chambering, original cleaning rod, excellent wood and metal condition, and an exceptional bore. A superb addition to any advanced collection of nineteenth-century military firearms, Portuguese military arms, or early European repeating rifle systems.
