Very scarce Romanian military issue Martini-Peabody M.1873 rifle in its original caliber: .45 caliber rimmed (11.43 x 49R mm). 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 1878, 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 others. The serial number is stamped on the right side of the receiver and barrel (matching). The left side of the receiver displays the maker's cartouche, "OEWG Steyr 1878" (The markings on the receiver are not very crisp anymore. Stock doesn't have any visible marks or cartouches. Steyr assembly markings are present on all the metal parts. Short lever action. Correct military style rear sights. Front barrel band with saber type bayonet lug. The cleaning rod is present. Overall length: 50 inch. Barrel length: 33 inch. CONDITION: Very good for its age. The metal parts covered with nice uniform patina over original blue. Some light pitting and metal roughness mostly on the buttplate. Stock is very nice. Some chips of wood around cleaning rod channel on the fore stock and around receiver on the buttstock (see photos). All the markings on the metal are clearly visible. The bore is dark, but the rifling is still strong. Action is in very good working condition. Nice and scarce rifle. Serial# Rt 702.
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