{"product_id":"original-swiss-model-1878-vetterli-repetiergewehr-10-4mm-rimfire-magazine-rifle-by-waffenfabrik-bern-serial-no-167602-excellent-bore","title":"Original Swiss Model 1878 Vetterli Repetiergewehr 10.4mm Rimfire Magazine Rifle by Waffenfabrik Bern, Serial No. 167602, Excellent Bore","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original Swiss Model 1878 Vetterli \u003cem\u003eRepetiergewehr\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFederal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the receiver is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✚\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWAFFENFABRIK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBERN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e167602\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eM.78\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe full serial number \u003cstrong\u003e167602\u003c\/strong\u003e appears on the receiver beneath the manufacturer marking and on the chamber end of the barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe abbreviated serial number \u003cstrong\u003e602\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNumerous 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eD4✚C1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo major cracks or repairs are visible. Water staining is present around the butt plate area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth sling swivels remain present. They move but are somewhat stiff from age and old residue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original cleaning rod is retained beneath the barrel. It unthreads correctly from the stock and can be removed without difficulty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe carrier block rises and presents properly during operation. Its ability to feed live or dummy cartridges has not been tested and is not guaranteed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYears of Manufacture: 1878–1881\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 10.4×38mm Swiss\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Rimfire cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32\"\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 51\"\u003cbr\u003eAction Type: Bolt action\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Under-barrel internal tubular magazine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory of the Vetterli Rifle:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45465913884741,"sku":"ONJR26MARA010","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/F88ACFA7-8984-4FBF-B9C6-40C76353A6CC.jpg?v=1785792634","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-swiss-model-1878-vetterli-repetiergewehr-10-4mm-rimfire-magazine-rifle-by-waffenfabrik-bern-serial-no-167602-excellent-bore","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}