Swiss M1871 Vetterli Rifle, Near Mint

Description

The Swiss Vetterli rifle, designed by Swiss designer Friedrich Vetterli, the manager of the
Neuhausen factory, was adopted in both Switzerland and Italy. It utilized a Henry
(Winchester) M1866 type tubular magazine and a bolt system derived from the German
Dreyse needle fire rifle. The Swiss Vetterli was the first repeating rifle widely adopted for
military service. It was originally adopted by the Swiss military in 1868 and was the most
advanced military rifle of its time. It went into widespread production with the M1869 and
was improved several times, first with the M1871 which eliminated the loading gate cover,
which proved to be redundant. Using a rimfire cartridge, the Vetterli was the first
repeating bolt action rifle to feature a self-cocking action and a small caliber bore. It
featured a round 33.1″ blued barrel of 10.4 mm x 38 (.41) caliber which was secured to
the walnut full stock by 2 spring-mounted barrel bands. It had a 12 round capacity in its
tubular magazine enclosed in the wooden fore stock. This example in wonderful condition
with the metal smooth and retaining nearly all of its blued finish; markings very crisp and
clear, with receiver stamped “W.V. Steiger/Thun/30817″. Serial number 30817 on the
receiver and barrel, with smaller parts stamped “817″. Numerous inspector stamps on
both metal and wood. Checkered fore stock near perfect; with only a few slight scratches
and bruises on the butt. Sling swivels on butt stock and forward barrel band and retaining
its original cleaning rod. Overall length 51.2″.