 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Swiss Waffenfabrik Bern Vetterli M1878/81 .41 Swiss RF Numbers Matching Spare Firing Pin
Guns International #: 103193292 Seller's Inventory #: 35560
Category: Antique Rifles - Cartridge - Waffenfabrik Bern Rifles
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: New England Guns and Parts
Company: New England Guns & Parts
Member Since: 9/26/18
State: Massachusetts
Zip: 01747
Country: United States
Phone: (508) 381-0234
Fax: (508) 381-0236
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 111
Total Number of Listings: 6920
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Shipping costs based on shipping within the continental US. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii or US territories may require additional payment.
Payment Types Accepted: Bank Check/Money Order (no personal checks), Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover. Credit cards subject to 4% fee.
About Us: The buyer is responsible for obtaining the FFL for shipment. The buyer will insure the FFL is emailed or faxed to New England Guns and Parts in a timely manner. All of our guns are used unless otherwise stated.
Description:
Also Known As: Swiss Vetterli Repeating Rifle
Make: Waffenfabrik Bern
Model: M1878/81
Finish: Blued metal with case-hardened receiver (aged patina present)
Caliber: .41 Swiss (10.4x38mmR)
Action: Manually operated bolt-action repeater
Barrel length: Approx. 33"
Bore: Very clean and mostly reflective with some spotty fouling
Stock material: Walnut, military-style full-length stock
Sights: Model 1881 Ladder-style rear sight; inverted V front sight
Features:
- Matching serial numbers throughout
- Upgraded rear sight from M181
- Tube-fed magazine system
- Integral cleaning rod
MFG Date: Circa 1881 (based on serial range and 1878/81 pattern)
Extras: Spare firing pin stored beneath the metal buttplate
Condition: Very good for its age – strong mechanics, clean bore with minor fouling, complete, no import marks noted
Shipping cost: $100.00
Tech: DH071425.1199
Please refer to the photos for the overall condition. FFL is required.
A piece of Swiss precision and firearms evolution, this Waffenfabrik Bern M1878/81 Vetterli stands out as one of the first military rifles to successfully pair a bolt action with a high-capacity tubular magazine. Chambered in the unique .41 Swiss, this rifle features matching numbers, a very clean bore, and even retains a spare firing pin hidden under the buttplate—an often-lost detail. The refined M1881 improvements ensure smoother cycling and better durability. Ideal for collectors of 19th-century military arms or fans of early bolt-action technology, this Vetterli is a well-preserved, functional example of late 1800s innovation.
Price: $1,199.00
Curio/Relic: Yes
Rifle Caliber: 10.4x38mmR Swiss
Manufacturer: Waffenfabrik Bern
Model: Vetterli 1878/81
Serial Number: 190084
Barrel Length: 33
Condition: Very Good
Extras: Number matching