Impressive Austro-Hungarian Military Model 1873/77 single-shot rotary block breech-loading rifle, a fascinating transition between muzzle-loading weapons and the later breech-loading systems.

Description:

Unique Austro-Hungarian Military 1873/77 single-shot, rotary-block breech-loading rifle made by Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft (ŒWG, Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company) in what would eventually become Steyr Arms. Rotating the chamber lid to the right exposes the chamber for loading and automatically extracts spent casings. Chambered for the 11.15x42mmR black powder cartridge. This early military-configured rifle has a 33" barrel with a fixed front sight, right-sided bayonet mount, three barrel bands (including nosecap), and a battle/ ladder rear sight graduated from 2-6 on the base and 6-14 on the ladder. Top of chamber marked “WERNDL”, the barrel shank area “St69” and “G.a”. Numbers “322” on chamber cover and toe of buttplate, “614” on the left side of the hammer, “868” on the lockworks plate, and regimental markings “26R/117” on top of the smooth in-the-white buttplate. Browned barrel. Single piece hardwood stock with blued nosecap and barrel bands, in-the-white chamber cover, lockworks, trigger guard, and cleaning rod.

Condition:

VG+ as partially restored, the barrel having been re-browned and many of the in-the-white parts having been professionally cleaned and toned to present in a more subdued, period-correct manner. The stock has a scattering of handling marks and superficial bruises but no cracks or distracting gouges. Mirror bore. Correct manual mechanics.