DESCRIPTION: Unusual and one of a kind Swiss Vetterli M.1869 rifle! Caliber: 10.4 x 38R, rimfire.The rifle was made by Weber-Ruesch in Zurich, and is accordingly marked on the left side of the receiver. This maker was not awarded a Swiss army contract, so perhaps the rifle is one of the prototypes made for trials, or a sample presented to Swiss army for consideration. The other possibility is that the rifle was simply offered on the commercial market. The rifle is virtually identical with early military model 1869 trial rifle described in "Die Repetiergewehre der Schweiz" , p. 30. The M.1863 rear sights are similar to those found on Milbank Amsler and Peabody military rifles, as well as on some Swiss sporting and target rifles. I have also seen similar sights installed on Swiss Martini target rifles. Some early Vetterli M.1867, 1868 and M.1869 prototype rifles have also used this type of rear sights (see: "Die Repetiergewehre der Schweiz" , p.19, p.22, pp.25-30). The rifle has all the early features of M.1869 series. Some parts of the rifle are crudely manufactured, especially when compared to military M.69/71 (rear sling swivel!). High capacity tubular magazine under the barrel (12+1 rounds). The rifle does not show the usual Swiss Cross stamped on the receiver and buttstock. There is no serial number. Some parts are stamped with assembly numbers that should not be confused with the serial numbers. Right side of the buttstock displays a German silver shield inlaid in the wood (with no markings). The left side of the chamber displays a letter "K" and a small cantonal (?) crest (unrecognizable). The barrel displays following markings under the forestock, "C.W.& C. 3752". The metal displays also a couple of smaller marks. The lower part of the buttstock displays a museum, or a collection number black painted on the white background, "C111". The rifle still has a scarce loading gate cover and the magazine cut off lever, that were removed from most of the early Vetterli rifles. The receiver dust cover was removed from the rifle. The forestock has original checkering. Complete with commercial style, period cleaning rod, which is most likely not correct for this type of rifle. CONDITION: Fine+. The rifle has polished steel finish with traces of brown patina. The buttplate shows some darker patina. The stocks are in original finish. Some handling marks, dings and minor scratches are visible on the stocks. No cracks to the stocks. Very good bore with strong, shiny rifling (counter bored couple of inches from the muzzle). Action works fine. The rifle comes from my family member collection of military firearms. Early and one of the kind Swiss M.1869/71 Vetterli rifle, that is worth further research! Serial# NN.
