Original Item: Only One Available. The M1870 Vetterli was the Italian service rifle from 1870-1887. The M1870 was a single-shot bolt action rifle chambered for the 10.4mm Vetterli centrefire cartridge, at first loaded with black powder and later with smokeless powder. The M1870 was based upon the M1869 Swiss Vetterli but simplified for economy. Starting in 1887, all model 1870s were updated to the M1870/87 Italian Vetterli-Vitali variant, which has a 4 round magazine. Many were later converted to work with 6.5mm ammunition after 1915, so unconverted examples like this are hard to find.
This example bears serial number B 4859 on the barrel nocks form and butt stock, and is offered in good condition. It is marked TORINO in an oval on the barrel nocks form, indicating manufacture at the Turin Arsenal in the mountains of the Piedmont region of Italy. The left side of the nocks form, where the date usually is, has rust pitting, which has made any date illegible. It also has markings on top of the nocks form, but we do not recognize them. The stock does not look to have been reconditioned at arsenal, so the serial number is clear, and there is a TORINO stock cartouche on the right side dated 1888….
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