Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Swiss Vetterli rifle, introduced in 1869, represented a significant leap in military rifle technology. It combined Winchester’s tubular magazine system with an innovative bolt design featuring two opposed rear locking lugs – the first of its kind. This self-cocking action paired with a small-caliber bore and 11-round magazine capacity made it Europe’s most advanced military rifle of its era. Developed by Johann-Friedrich Vetterli at Switzerland’s SIG factory, the rifle went through several variants. The initial Model 1867 featured an external hammer, quickly replaced by the Model 1868/69’s internal bolt spring. The improved Model 1871 introduced a stronger barrel and modified sights, also spawning specialized versions including a Stutzer (sniper) variant with a set trigger and a shortened cavalry carbine. Production shifted to the new Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik in Bern in 1875, leading to the Model 1878 with about 25 improvements including enhanced sights and a new bayonet system. The Vetterli served as Switzerland’s standard arm until 1889, when it was replaced by the Schmidt-Rubin.
“Manufacturer: Swiss
Model: m78Type: RifleGauge: 10.4 mmBarrel: 33 inch roundFinish: blueStock: walnut”
Lot 499: Two Swiss Vetterli Bolt Action Rifles. (n.d.). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved December 28, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2098/499/two-swiss-vetterli-bolt-action-rifles.
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