{"product_id":"original-swiss-vetterli-repetiergewehr-m1878-magazine-rifle-by-waffenfabrik-bern-serial-190308-10-4x38mm","title":"Original Swiss Vetterli Repetiergewehr M1878 Magazine Rifle by Waffenfabrik Bern Serial 190308 - 10.4×38mm","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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo 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 (W+F), in 1875. This factory started production with the 1878 variant of the Vetterli rifle. Its some 25 improvements included a new bayonet and lug, improved sights and a finger hook on the trigger cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis rifle is nicely maker marked on the left side of the receiver:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✚\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWAFFENFABRIK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBERN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e190308\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eM.78\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSerial number \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e190308 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis found on the receiver below the maker mark, as well as on the chamber end of the barrel. Shortened number \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e308\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is found on the left side of the bolt, bottom of the carrier block\/ejector, sight base and leaf, nose cap, trigger, butt plate, and possibly elsewhere. There are additional proof marks on metal components of the rifle, as well as some on the stock, many with the Swiss \"Geneva Cross\" marking, such as \u003cstrong\u003eD5✚C1\u003c\/strong\u003e on the spine of the butt stock. These are supposed to correspond to specific inspectors of the time. There are additional markings on the top and bottom of the butt stock, possibly unit numbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered 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 metalwork is in very good shape, showing a lovely aged patina with some peppering in areas. It has the look of an old rifle that has been stored in a closet or attic for years, but was well cared for. The stocks are very good, showing the expected wear from light use, including scratches, small dents, and so forth. There are not any major cracks or repairs that we can see, though there is some white paint spatter, which we have left intact as part of the piece's history. Both sling swivels are present and move easily, and the original cleaning rod is still present, unthreading easily from the stock so it can be removed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in very good condition, showing strong lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is some wear to the lands, and we can see past fouling and oxidation in the grooves, now partly cleaned away. It looks to have seen a good amount of use but was still relatively well cared for. The rifle cycles well, with a smooth action and crisp dry fire, though it can be a bit stiff due to dried grease. The carrier block properly presents, though we cannot guarantee it will be able to feed. The bolt has an intact double sided firing pin for the rimfire ammunition, and the extractor is present as well.\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, in lovely condition with no signs of restoration. The Swiss Vetterli rifle is one of the very first bolt-action \"repeating\" rifles and getting scarce to find today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely service used example with a fantastic patina of age, ready to add to your collection and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: 1878-1881\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 \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":44360170274885,"sku":"ONJR25SEM90","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25SEM90.jpg?v=1765573610","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-swiss-vetterli-repetiergewehr-m1878-magazine-rifle-by-waffenfabrik-bern-serial-190308-10-4x38mm","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}