Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Swiss Model 1878 Vetterli Repetiergewehr magazine rifle manufactured by Waffenfabrik Bern, serial number 167602. Chambered for the 10.4×38mm Swiss rimfire cartridge, it retains extensive matching and partial serial numbers, its original tubular magazine and cleaning rod, a smooth operating action, and an excellent bright bore with crisp rifling.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. It is sold as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or evaluated by a professional gunsmith. The mechanical and bore observations below describe only its present condition and do not establish that it is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Vetterli system was developed in Switzerland by Friedrich Vetterli and became one of the earliest military bolt action repeating rifle designs to enter general service. Its under-barrel tubular magazine was influenced by contemporary American repeating rifles, while its bolt action mechanism and double sided rimfire firing pin were developed for the Swiss 10.4mm cartridge.

Early versions of the Vetterli underwent a series of design changes. The external hammer of the first pattern was replaced by an internally cocked bolt mechanism, while the cleaning rod position, receiver controls, barrel bands, sights, and other components were progressively revised.

Federal authorities established the Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik at Bern during the 1870s to increase domestic production. The Model 1878 incorporated numerous refinements, including revised sights, an updated bayonet mounting system, and a finger hook on the trigger guard.

The left side of the receiver is marked:

✚
WAFFENFABRIK
BERN
167602
M.78

The full serial number 167602 appears on the receiver beneath the manufacturer marking and on the chamber end of the barrel.

The abbreviated serial number 602 is present on the left side of the bolt, the bottom of the carrier block or ejector assembly, the rear sight base and leaf, the nose cap, trigger, butt plate, and possibly additional components.

Numerous Swiss inspection and proof marks are present on the metal components and stock. Several incorporate the Swiss cross, including the marking on the upper surface of the buttstock:

D4✚C1

These letter, number, and cross markings are consistent with Swiss military inspection and acceptance practices, though the individual inspector represented by each marking has not been confirmed.

The metalwork remains in very good condition and has developed an attractive, even aged patina. Scattered areas of light peppering and minor oxidation are present, but the rifle has the appearance of having been stored for many years while receiving generally careful handling.

The wooden stock and forearm are also in very good condition. They show expected service and storage wear, including scratches, small dents, handling marks, and age related surface changes.

No major cracks or repairs are visible. Water staining is present around the butt plate area.

Both sling swivels remain present. They move but are somewhat stiff from age and old residue.

The original cleaning rod is retained beneath the barrel. It unthreads correctly from the stock and can be removed without difficulty.

The bore is in excellent visual condition, remaining bright with crisp lands and grooves. No significant oxidation or accumulated fouling is visible, though there is light overall wear consistent with age and previous use.

The bolt cycles smoothly, and the action can be operated through its normal sequence. It is somewhat stiff in places, apparently from old grease and residue.

The carrier block rises and presents properly during operation. Its ability to feed live or dummy cartridges has not been tested and is not guaranteed.

The bolt retains its double sided firing pin for the rimfire cartridge, and the extractor remains present. The action produces a crisp mechanical release when operated without ammunition, but the rifle has not been test fired or professionally evaluated.

This Model 1878 retains a notably complete set of numbered components, its original cleaning rod, both sling swivels, intact magazine system, firing pin, extractor, and an exceptionally attractive bore. The aged metal patina, peppering, stock marks, small dents, water staining, stiff swivels, old grease, and untested feeding condition are fully disclosed. It would display particularly well in a Swiss military rifle, early bolt action repeater, Waffenfabrik Bern, European service arm, black powder cartridge, or advanced antique firearm collection.

Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: 1878–1881
Caliber: 10.4×38mm Swiss
Cartridge Type: Rimfire cartridge
Barrel Length: 32"
Overall Length: 51"
Action Type: Bolt action
Feed System: Under-barrel internal tubular magazine

History of the Vetterli Rifle:
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.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.