Swiss Military Vetterli M.1869/71 10.4 mm Obsolete Calibre Bolt Action Rifle By W.v.Stieger, Thun. - A 1090 Swiss Military Vetterli M.1869/71 10.4 mm Obsolete Calibre Bolt Action Rifle By W.v.Stieger, Thun. - A 1090 Bolt Action None Rifles

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 M1866 Winchester rifle's tubular magazine and a bolt system derived from the German Dreyse. Due to the Swiss Federal Council's early 1866 decision to equip the army with a breech loading repeating rifle, the Vetterli rifles were, at the time of their introduction, the most advanced military rifles in Europe. This is an excellent M1869 / 74 Vetterli bolt action rifle in 10.4mm UK obsolete calibre. The metal work has even patina. It has all original, wood furniture with chequered grip panel on the fore stock. The wood work is in excellent condition and retains the original polished finish. The stock and the fore end are stamped with military ‘Swiss Cross’ mark. The action is signed by the maker W.v.STEIGER, THUN and serial number 31379 which is repeated on the barrel and underside of the action. The bolt has un-matching number. The rifle has an adjustable rear sight, block & blade foresight, steel butt plate and original cleaning rod. The rifle is 51” overall length with a 33” barrel. The barrel’s bore is near mint, clean & bright with crisp rifling. The loading & firing actions are crisp. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an obsolete calibre antique rifle no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. A 1090