Austrian Steyr (Portuguese) M1885/6 ‘Guedes’ Rifle

Austrian made Steyr ‘Guedes’ design, falling block 8 x 60mm calibre single shot rifle made by O.E.W.G ( Osterreichische Waffenfabrik Gesellschaft ) for the Portuguese government but the order was cancelled and never used by the Portuguese. The factory sold the 8000+ made (18000 claimed) to the Transvaal and Orange free state so were actually used by the Boers in the Boer wars. The under- lever drops down the whole breech block containing the trigger, safety, hammer and main spring allowing the brass black powder cartridge to be inserted, the next operation of the lever ejecting the spent round and re-cocks the action. Steel furniture with two barrel bands the fore-band having a bayonet lug, two sling swivels and a cleaning rod. The RHS of side plate marked on one side with the monogram and crown of King D. Luis 1st + ‘A’ crown acceptance marks. The LHS plate marked with roundel containing makers mark O.E.W.G with M1885 Steyr 1886 surrounding and serial no 7038. The barrel has a five groove bore and stamped 7038 on one side and ‘A’ crown on the other with ladder sights to 1800 yards. The falling block is also numbered 7038 and ‘A’ crown as is the action under-lever, The barrel bands and under-lever are marked with a ‘K’ mark.