*Austrian, Werndl Model 1867, Pivot Breech Single Shot Service Rifle, Signed Lenz, dated 1868, Obsolete Calibre*.
The M1867 Werndl, an intriguing and well-crafted rifle, marked the Austro-Hungarian Empire's first foray into breechloading rifles. Adopted by the army in 1867, it replaced the Wanzl breechloader conversion of the Lorenz muzzle-loading rifle. Designed and patented by Josef Werndl and Karel Holub, with Werndl later acquiring all rights, it was manufactured by Gewehr Fabrikanten Werndl, later known as Öesterreich Waffenfabrik Gesellschaft (OEWG), then Steyrwerks, and eventually Steyr, in Steyr, Austria. Despite being declared obsolete in the 1880s, the Werndl continued its service, issued to reserve regiments in World War I and finally retired in 1918.
Single shot service rifle with sighted 33in. barrel, rotating breech, hump-back side-mounted lockplate, correctly marked “Lenz / 868” indicating that the rifle was manufactured in 1868, initially, locks were not manufactured by Werndl but rather were subcontracted out to various Austrian workshops including - Matthias Lenz. The barrel is stamped "Werndl" - early examples of the Werndl, manufactured between 1867 and 1871, are marked “Werdl” on the top of the receiver. Later examples, beginning about 1872, are marked “OEWG”. It is also marked “St70 G.a” the inspector’s initials and date, (Steyr 1870). "G.a" also engraved on the sight. The iron butt plate tang displays a crisp unit marking '37 R.R.B.' over '2' "196". The rifle is equipped with a blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight, bayonet lug, slotted cleaning rod, sling swivels and the action appears to function well mechanically.
Length 127cm, 33", 84cm barrel.
Some speckled surface corrosion. Cocks and dry fires. Obsolete Calibre. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
