The Steyr Mannlihcer carbine on Gunbroker appears to be a Model 1893 Roumanian, based on the markings and the distinctive horizontal reinforcing rib on the magazine box. The Dutch Model 1895 (both Steyr and Hembrug manufacture) have a slab-sided magazine box without this rib.
Both models were sold commercially through various British retailers including Gibbs, Rigby, Holland and Holland, Dickson, Army and Navy, and Alexander Martin to name a few. It is generally understood that they were sold by Steyr to the trade either as bare actions or barreled actions, and then stocked and finished in the U.K. They had a fairly short commercial heyday from 1895 through about 1905, by which time they had been largely supplanted by the improved Mannlicher Shoenauer Model 1900 (later known as the Model 1903) with the integral rotary magazine, and the familiar Mauser Model 1898.
The most common chambering was the original 6.5x53R service cartridge, also known as the .256 Mannlicher in English speaking countries. Next in popularity was the .303 British and .375 2.5" Flanged Nitro Express, in that order. Most were configured as open sighted hunting rifles, in a variety of grades, in typical British configuration for the period. They also enjoyed a run of popularity as target rifles fitted with 30" barrels in .256 Mannlicher, which was a revolutionary long range cartridge at the time. Gibbs (and too a lesser extent, Rigby) are responsible for most of the target versions I have seen, generally in a standard grade (plain) finish and often fitted with a rear mounted sight for the backwards prone position.
There are a few oddities about the carbine on Gunbroker that should be noted. First, the presence of double set triggers and absence of British proof marks indicates that this was not a British market rifle. Second, the barrel appears to have been shortened, based on the replacement front sight and the location of the front sling swivel relative to the muzzle. Third, the forend has almost certainly been modified, and has a very odd and unattractive profile. Fourth, the length of pull looks suspiciously short, and the squashed rubber recoil pad would not be original. And lastly, although the scope appears to be a period item (possibly a Voigtlander) and the mounts are also old, it would be very unusual to see split rings on a original pre-WW1 rifle, since they were almost always soldered onto the scope tube during that period.
Having said all that, I'm sure it would be a fun rifle to play with, and could be the basis for an interesting custom or "resto-replica".
Cheers,
Peconga in Boise, Idaho
Last edited by Peconga; 04/08/10 09:25 PM.
