Steyr Mannlicher M/88-90 trapped in a tree

[joerookery]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steyr-Mannlicher_M1888" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Larmo]

what a cool pic Joe, thanks for sharing it. Hopefully no one will cut the tree down to save the relic..... [-X

 

[Wyliecoyote]

Austro-Hungarian Empire soldier of the 18th Regiment in Koenigratz wearing the early hechtgrau uniform. He is armed with a M1888/90 Mannlicher rifle and M1888 bayonet. The lace-on canvas handguard's were primarily issued to the K.u.K Kriegsmarine, however an unknown number of them also were issued to some reserve units who were armed with 88's, 90's or 86/90's. During continuous firing, the barrels get quite hot. The 88 series of rifles lacked handguards. Later in the war, an unknown number of 88 series rifles were retro fitted with wooden top handguards.

On the reverse is listed:

K.u.K II/18.Marschblon
Koenigratz
1.Marschkompanie

K.u.K. II Armee 18 Infantry regiment Marschbataillon
Koenigratz
1st. Marschkompanie

It is not known for certain, but he might have been sent off to Galicia to help fill the gaps left by the appalling losses suffered by the Austro-Hungarian troops in the autumn of 1914.

Koenigratz is today located in the Czech Republic.