Very scarce Romanian military issue Martini-Peabody M.1879 rifle in its original, .45 caliber (11.43mm x 49R). This was the first rifle adopted by Romanian army after the country declared independence in 1878. The rifle was manufactured by the Oesterreichische Waffenfabriks - Gesellschaft Steyr in Austro-Hungary in 1882, as indicated by a beautiful cartouche stamped on the left side of the receiver block. The rifle is practically identical with the Turkish M.1874, except for the markings. The right side of the receiver displays a Romanian Royal Crown over the cartouche with wording: "ARMATA ROMANA, ARMA, Md. 1879". The rifle shows Romanian military issue markings stamped on the right side of the receiver and barrel, "Crossed Lances", "Royal Crown", "Arrow" and "Romanian Phoenix Rising from Ashes". The serial number is stamped on the right side of the buttstock, receiver, rear sights and barrel (matching). The left side of the receiver and buttstock displays the maker's cartouche, "OEWG Steyr 1882"(fading cartouche on the buttstock, please, see pictures). The markings on the receiver are very crisp. The assembly markings are present on all the metal parts. Short lever action. Correct military style ramp and leaf rear sights. Front barrel band with saber type bayonet lug. Complete with a cleaning rod. Overall length: 50 inch. Barrel length: 33 inch. CONDITION: Low fine. Metal is mainly in white, with some blue finish preserved in protected areas. Some cleaning marks are visible on metal. Occasional scattered brown/gray patina. The buttplate is covered with brown patina. All the markings on metal are clearly visible. The stocks are in fine condition with some handling marks and light scratches. Wood was refurbished long time ago, but the serial number and cartouche are still partially visible. The trigger guard sling swivel is missing. The lower part of the buttstock had, at one time, an extra sling swivel. The latter was removed and the opening in wood was camouflaged with some wood filling material (please, see pictures). The bore is in very good/low fine condition with strong rifling. The action works fine. The front barrel band screw is missing. One of the receiver screws is also missing. The cleaning rod shows some roughness and rust. Careful cleaning would greatly increase an appeal of this rifle! Scarce Romanian issue M.1879 Martini-Peabody rifle! Serial# R.77XX.
