Original Swiss Vetterli Model 1878 Bolt Action Military Rifle

An original Swiss Vetterli Repetiergewehr Model 1881 Bolt Action Military Rifle, made in Switzerland. Serial # 20563X. Chambered in 10.4x38mm Swiss Rimfire. The receiver is marked Waffenfabrik Bern M.81. The high serial number tells us that this was one of the last Model 81 Vetterli rifles produced at Waffenfabrik Bern. The condition of this rifle is particularly good, with a nice honey-blonde stock with some pretty tigerstriping in the forend.  There are some minor scratches on the receiver, but it shows 95% bluing. The barrel has 98% bluing. The buttplate is lightly rough, but fine for its age. The bore is very good, dark, but with sharp rifling. This example has matching numbers on receiver, bolt, and trigger guard. Please see the photos.  The stock has just modest handling wear — particularly nice wood for a 143-year old rifle.  A wonderful piece of Swiss history! (BCA-890)