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Antique Austrian Breechloading Metallic Cartridge Military Short Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:350.00 USD
Antique Austrian Breechloading Metallic Cartridge Military Short Rifle
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Antique Austrian Breechloading Metallic Cartridge Military Short Rifle, #863, .577 CF cal., 23.5" round-to-octagonal barrel has block-blade front (doubles as bayonet lug) and unusual folding-leaf rear sights, marked "1", "68", and two illegible proofs at breech; receiver has unique hinged "trapdoor" breechblock with locking spring, long thumb-lever, floating firing pin, marked "G. Weigand/Wien" (Vienna) at top tang; flat lockplate is marked "863" ahead of hammer and "(Austrian Imperial Eagle crest)" behind; steel fittings include trigger guard with long rear tang, buttplate with peaked heel marked "R. 4./555" at top screw, serpentine sideplate, two spring-retained bands (top with bayonet cutout and integral nosecap/ferrule retaining the steel tulip-tip ramrod, lower with sling loop); stock of figured hardwood (similar to curly maple) has 6.5" raised cheekpiece at left, sling loop at belly. Mfg'd ca. 1860s. Condition is very good retaining no original finishes but dark gunmetal gray, lightly-pitted barrel, bands, trigger guard, buttplate, smooth gunmetal lock and receiver/trapdoor. Stock is sound and smooth with cracks between sideplate, rear lock screw and trigger guard, small wood patches in front and behind lower band. Action is crisp, bore shows patches of moderate-to-heavy corrosion, very good rifling. This interesting piece may have been cut down from a regulation infantry rifle, or perhaps it was some type of trial gun. Est.: $600-$900. (Antique)