The Austrian Mannlicher M1886 in original configuration is a rare bird to catch indeed! When you do find one they are usually really ratty! Well, I finally found this one, and yes it was pretty bad. I decided to add it to my collection and hope for a better example another day.
The beautiful serial number on the wood differs from the metal.
This one had pitting all along the wood line on both sides as well as a couple of spots on the top of the barrel and under the wood. It was really mostly cosmetic, in my opinion so I decided to see what I could do with restoring it. On the plus side, the wood was mostly sound only extremely dry and the bolt was all intact and everything functioned. The rifle had been painted by brush with black paint on all of the metal. I reasoned that if this was part of the history then a better job of refinishing wouldn't be sacrilege. I used filler on the pitting and sprayed dura coat. There is some light pitting in the bore but plenty of rifling is there. It shoots and functions 100% with my light loads to about 1300fps. The serial number is pitted to the extent that the middle 2 of 4 numbers are almost indistinguishable but I think that the serial is 3278J.
...I think its more beautiful-with its age...and 'warts'... 
