Original Item: Only One Available. Introduced in 1867, the Swiss version of the Vetterli rifle system utilized the "Winchester" tube magazine system for cartridge storage under the barrel. The original 1867 model had an external hammer, like a Winchester, but in 1868 this was changed to an internal cocking bolt spring. The cleaning rod was moved to the side of the rifle, but this proved problematic, so the model of 1869 moved it back to the under barrel position. In 1871, the loading gate cover on the right side of the receiver and the magazine cutoff on the left side were deemed to be redundant, so a new model 1871 was introduced without them. It also featured strengthened barrel rings and a much thicker and sturdier rear sight leaf. Later models after this changed over to the box Magazine found on most rifles of the WWI era.

Most of the Model 1871 Swiss Vetterli arms were made in the long rifle Repetiergewehr Vetterli, Modell 1871 style, with about 70,300 made. The slightly shorter Repetierstutzer Vetterli, Modell 1871 had about 10,000 made, and was equipped with a double set trigger. The rarest variant by far was the Kavallerie-Repetierkarabiner Vetterli, Modell 1871, a cavalry carbine that replaced the single shot pistols in use. This example however appears to be even rarer than that, and we have not been able to find much information on it.

This looks to be a Stutzer Repetierkarabiner Model 1871, which is about 1 1/2 inches longer than the cavalry carbine, but still 10 1/2 inches shorter than the Repetierstutzer. It has the heavier curved butt plate from the Stutzer, as well as the very sensitive Stecher (double set trigger) action from that model. We had considered that it was a Stutzer rifle that was cut down, but we see no evidence that the barrel or stock were modified at all. The fore stock is in fact identical to that of a Cavalry Carbine, it's just that the barrel is slightly longer, possibly so it would be able to mount a bayonet. We have never had one of these before, and this is really a lovely example. Really some fantastic research potential here!

The early models of the Swiss Vetterli were all made by individual contractors, and this rifle is nicely maker marked on the left side of the receiver:

+
M W
4491

Serial number 4491 is found on the receiver below the maker mark, as well as on the chamber end of the barrel and on the bottom of the carrier block. There is also shortened number 491 on the back of the sight leaf. The maker mark indicates production by Eidgenössische Montier-Werstätte (Federal Assembly Workshop in Bern, Switzerland. They were an early Federal armorer / factory that produced approximately 8900 Vetterli M1869 & M1871 weapons between 1869 and 1874. They were one of many contractors employed before the completion of Waffenfabrik Bern. This is only the second example of this rare maker that we have seen. There are additional proof marks on metal components of the rifle, as well as some on the stock.

The carbine has the correct two gas escape holes in receiver and 1000 Schritt marked rear sight for pre-1875 manufacture, which were removed in later examples. To accelerate the sluggish production of the Vetterli rifles and carbines, the federal authorities built a new arms factory in Berne, the Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik (Federal arms factory or W+F), in 1875. When they started production, of the 1871, they made many simplifications, eventually leading to the model of 1878.

Offered in very good condition, this was a rifle serving at the time of Britain's legendary Martini-Henry Single Shot Rifle, also introduced in 1871 and not replaced with a magazine rifle until 1888. The wood stocks are in very good condition, showing the expected wear from service and age. The butt stock has some lovely curl to the grain, however it also does have a crack on the top running back from the receiver tang on the right side. There are still Swiss proof marks stamped in various places. The rear sight works correctly, however both sling swivels have been removed.

The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a bright finish, showing just a bit of overall wear. Cleaning rod is in excellent shape, and the threaded end is still intact, and screws into the stock correctly. It is the correct length for the slightly longer carbine barrel. The rifle cycles correctly, with the carrier block presenting, and it has a crisp dry fire. The Stecher set trigger is fully functional, and the rear trigger must be set first with a strong pull, or else the bolt will not cock when cycling. After this when the bolt is closed it takes very little pressure to dry fire the carbine. The U-shaped firing pin is still present and moves forward correctly.

The Vetterli was an Italian design ahead of its time but was soon outclassed by the German Mauser 1871/84 magazine Rifle. This is a very nice example with a lovely butt stock. The Swiss Vetterli is one of the very first bolt-action "repeating" weapon designs and getting scarce to find today. Examples of the carbine like this are nearly impossible to find. Ready to add to your collection!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1871-1875
Caliber: 10.4×38mm Swiss
Cartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 20 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 39 1/2 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 6 round internal tubular magazine

History of the Vetterli rifle & carbine: The Vetterli rifles were a series of Swiss army service rifles in use from 1869 to circa 1890, when they were replaced with Schmidt-Rubin rifles. Modified Vetterli rifles were also used by the Italian Army.

The Swiss Vetterli rifles combined the American Winchester Model 1866's tubular magazine with a regular bolt featuring for the first time two opposed rear locking lugs. This novel type of bolt was a major improvement over the simpler Dreyse and Chassepot bolt actions. The Vetterli was also the first repeating bolt action rifle to feature a self-cocking action and a small caliber bore. Due to the Swiss Federal Council's early 1866 decision to equip the army with a breechloading repeating rifle, the Vetterli rifles were, at the time of their introduction, the most advanced military rifles in Europe. The Vetterli was the replacement for Amsler-Milbank rifles, which were a metallic cartridge conversion from previous Swiss muzzle-loading rifles.

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