{"product_id":"original-swiss-vetterli-repetiergewehr-m1871-infantry-rifle-by-w-v-steiger-of-thun-serial-no-28041-10-35-x-47mm","title":"Original Swiss Vetterli Repetiergewehr M1871 Infantry Rifle by W.v. Steiger of Thun Serial No 28041 - 10.35 x 47mm","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Introduced in 1867, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \"attic find\" condition rifle is nicely maker marked on the left side of the receiver:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW.v. STEIGER\u003cbr\u003eTHUN\u003cbr\u003e28041\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom what we can tell, W. von Steiger in Thun, Switzerland was an armorer \/ factory that produced approximately 15,000 Vetterli M1869 \u0026amp; M1871 weapons between 1869 and 1874. They were one of many contractors employed before the completion of Waffenfabrik Bern. Serial number \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e28041\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is found on the receiver above the maker mark, as well as on the left side of the barrel by rear sight. The bottom of the carrier \/ feed block and rear sight are marked with shortened number \u003cstrong\u003e41\u003c\/strong\u003e, however we cannot read the marking on the front of the cocking handle. There are additional proof marks on metal components of the rifle, which has an overall peppery patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle has the correct two gas escape holes in receiver and 1000 Schritt rear sight for pre-1875 manufacture, which were removed in later examples. To accelerate the sluggish production of the Vetterli rifles, the federal authorities built a new arms factory in Berne, the \u003cem\u003eEidgenössische Waffenfabrik \u003c\/em\u003e(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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very nice \"attic fresh\" 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. We have left it much as we received it, with some old grease and dirt still present on the metalwork, more than ready for a good cleaning to bring out the beauty of this rifle. Wood stock is in very good condition, with the expected wear and dents of age. It has a beautiful red brown color, with a nice patina, and there are Swiss proof marks stamped in various places. The butt stock is particularly nice, having a lovely \"figured\" pattern to the grain that will look fantastic when cleaned. The rear sight works correctly, and both sling swivels are present, however the rear swivel is rust frozen, and the cleaning rod is missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in fair to good condition, still showing clear lands and grooves, but also having an overall dark finish with past fouling and oxidation present. Most likely it was not cleaned after the last time it was used, allowing oxidation to take hold. The rifle cycles correctly, with the carrier block presenting, however we cannot guarantee that it will feed. The bolt has an intact double sided rimfire firing pin, which looks to be intact and functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 rifle is one of the very first bolt-action \"repeating\" rifles and getting scarce to find today. Examples like this are getting very hard to find. Ready to clean up and add to your collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: 1871-1875\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 10.4×38mm Swiss\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 51 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Bolt-Action\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 11 round internal tubular magazine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory of the Vetterli rifle:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\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":41988919656517,"sku":"ONSV24MDF135","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24MDF135__01.jpg?v=1725028084","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-swiss-vetterli-repetiergewehr-m1871-infantry-rifle-by-w-v-steiger-of-thun-serial-no-28041-10-35-x-47mm","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}