^Lot 227 Steyr Portuguese 1896 Short Rifle 6.5x53R

SN: B196. Rare Portuguese contract M1896 Mannlicher short rifle, made by Steyr in Austria. These are essentially the same as the Mannlicher M1893 made for the Kingdom of Romania, and use the same 6.5×53R "Romanian" cartridge. These were ordered by the Kingdom of Portugal in 1896 "CI" crests for Carlos I of Portugal. Original serial number B196 on the front right receiver, other serial numbers are non-matching, indicating arsenal parts replacement. It is correctly marked with the CROWN / CI Portuguese royal crest over the chamber, and there is another crest on the right side of the butt stock. It is marked STEYR 1896 on the left receiver rail. Import marking (C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.) on the left side of the receiver next to the hand guard, which incorrectly identifies it as an "M1893 ROUMANIAN".
Five round capacity and a 24" barrel, straight bolt handle. Forward barrel is pitted, the bore is fair, strong rifling, frosted in the grooves, finish and wood are overall good. cleaning rod present, comes with correct period leather sling in very good condition.
NRA Condition-Fine. Antique Firearm.