Original Austrian 1883 Boer Peabody-Martini Rifle by ŒWG Steyr Converted to .303 By A. Schriever in Belgium – Serial H2588 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Martini-Henry falling block system was arguably one of the most popular designs of the late 19th Century, being the primary weapon of the British Military for almost 20 years. Refit and surplus British rifles continued to serve for decades after the introduction of the Lee-Metford in 1888. However, the British were not the only country to use the system, and the design was adopted by many other countries. They were also made commercially in England, Germany, Belgium, and elsewhere.

One prominent company that became engaged in Military and Commercial production was the famous Austrian arms company, Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft, (ŒWG, Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company). Also commonly referred to as Steyr Werke, they were located in Steyr, just outside Vienna, and at the time was the home of the entire Austrian arms production. Romania had seen the Turkish M1874 Peabody-Martini Rifle produced by Providence Tool Co. in the United States, and decided to order these from& ŒWG Steyr, chambered in 11.43×59mmR Romanian, a necked down cartridge somewhat like the ones used by the British and Turkish Martini-Henry Rifles. From the exterior, the British, Turkish, and Romanian Martini-Henry rifles look for the most part identical, except for small details like the sight and markings.

Our example has the large OE WG monogram on the left side of the receiver, with STEYR * 1883 in the center. The right side of the receiver is just marked with serial number H2588 next to a “Crossed P” proof that we do not recognize. However, there are NO Romanian markings on this rifle, which would normally be on the right side of the receiver.

This is a commercial version of the M1879 Romanian Peabody-Martini, usually called the “1883 Boer Steyr Peabody Martini Henry Rifle.” In 1883 following the First Boer War, the the Transvaal / South African Republic required additional arms for defense and the possibility of the British deciding to reclaim the territory. Already familiar with the British Martini-Henry, they went to Steyr, who supplied them with the commercial version of the Romanian rifles in 1883.

After use in South Africa, it looks like this rifle continued in service, and like many Martini action rifles was converted to take .303 British. We do not know if this was done in South Africa or elsewhere, but the barrel and conversion parts were definitely done using Belgian parts. The .303 Barrel is marked on top of the breech with:

A. SCHRIEVER
BREVETÉ

This indicates it was a “Patented” design by Schriever. Next to this is the the “Perron” Tower of Liège proof over the standard E / L G / * in an oval, also for Liège, Belgium.

After the conversion, the rifle looks to have seen long service, and the exterior metalwork shows a well aged and peppery patina overall. The woodwork is relatively dark in color, showing dents and scratches from long service, though the butt stock does have some great “tiger flame” figuring in it. The action cycles correctly, though we have not tested it with any type of dummy cartridges. The bore still shows clear rifling, but also wear and some oxidation, particularly near the muzzle, where there is a lot of wear.

A very interesting example of a rare rifle, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1883 – converted later to .303
Caliber: .303 British
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 33 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 49 3/4 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot