M81 Vetterli Rifle

A nice Model 1881 (M81) Waffenfabrik Bern Swiss Vetterli military rifle, chambered in it's original obsolete 10.4 x 38mm (.41 Swiss rimfire) caliber.
 
The Vetterli rifle is arguable the first repeating military bolt action rifle to chamber a metallic cartridge in a practical and usable manner. Improving on the design of needle guns such as the Dreyse and Chassepot, the Vetterli was the most advanced military rifle of it's day, carrying the Swiss miltary through to the adoption of the Schmidt Rubin in 1889.
 
Much like a model 66 WInchester, the Vetterli features a 12 round tubular magazine that straddles the barrel, providing a ground breaking rate of fire of circa 21 rounds a minute - a marked improvement over the single shot cartridge breechloaders that began trickling into military serice during the 1860's. 
The Veterlli posses a number of unique and innivotive design features for it's day, including a double prongued striker - purposely designed to reduce the chances of a misfire, should a cartridge rim possess un-uniform areas of fulminate compound. 
 
The Vetterli rifle enjoyed a lengthy reign, ultimately seeing some active service during the first world war, to suppliment arms shortages. Civilian usage carried on for many years following, with hunters choosing to exploiting the remarkable build quality of these Swiss rifles.
 
This particular rifle is a very nice example, with very good bluing (small areas of wear to the receiver only). The bore is excellent, without pitting. The woodwork is very good, with a few bumbs and dings - but otherwise in solid condition, with a deep rich colour.
All complete and original, this rifle is a nice example to add to any collection or museum.
 
 
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