Werndl–Holub Rifle 11.15×58mmR 33″ Austro-Hungarian Single Shot Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,675.00

LSB#: LSB251220TO032

Make: Austria, Hungary

Model: Werndl–Holub rifle

Serial#: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: 1867-1888 Antique

Caliber: 11.15×58mmR

Action Type: Single Shot, Rotating Breech Block, with External Hammer.

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “Werndl”. The top of the barrel is marked “Pt 71 St 81”. The top of the buttplate is marked “33 984”. The breech block is marked “33 99”. The left side of the sight base is marked “K”. The sight is graduated “65432”. The rear of the action is marked “33 99, KM”. The extractor is marked “99”. 

Barrel Length: 33″

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a barley corn blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a graduated folding ladder dovetailed into a base integral to the barrel. 

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a one piece smooth walnut, two forend bands, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and smooth steel buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There has been some light sanding and oil finish done. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original 

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its original finish. The majority of the barrel is wearing to a brown patina. There is bluing in protected areas. There is pitting and corrosion staining scattered throughout. The other parts have largely been sanded and scrubbed of finish. There are nicks and dings, most notably near the end of the barrel. The screws are tool marked but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good condition.  

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. 

Box Paperwork and Accessories: Non matching bayonet.

Our Assessment: The Werndl-Holub rifle represents one of the first successful metallic cartridge service rifles adopted by the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the late 19th century. Developed by Josef Werndl and Karel Holub and introduced in 1867, the design featured a distinctive rotating breechblock system paired with an external hammer. This mechanism allowed soldiers to load and fire metallic cartridges more quickly and reliably than the percussion muzzleloaders it replaced. Werndl rifles served as the primary infantry arm of the Austro-Hungarian military through the late 1860s and 1870s before later repeating rifle designs began to replace them.

Chambered for the 11.15x58mmR cartridge, the rifle fired a large lead projectile propelled by black powder, a typical configuration for military rifles of the era. The long 33 inch barrel, ladder rear sight, and robust single shot action reflected the military doctrine of the period, which emphasized accuracy and controlled fire at extended distances. Werndl-Holub rifles saw service throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire during a time of rapid military modernization across Europe, marking an important transitional stage between earlier muzzleloading arms and the repeating bolt action rifles that would dominate the following decades.

This example shows the honest wear expected of a military rifle from the late 19th century while remaining mechanically functional. The rifle retains approximately 20 percent of its original blued finish, with much of the metal surfaces now showing a brown patina along with scattered corrosion staining and pitting. The walnut stock has experienced light sanding and oil finishing and displays scratches and compression dents consistent with age but remains free of cracks. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling and rates a strong 9 out of 10 with only light fouling noted. The action functions correctly and the rifle includes a non-matching bayonet. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF