Firearms and Ammo Auction
Lot 1290:
Description
This historic Italian military rifle is a Model 1870/87 Vetterli-Vitali, a fascinating example of late 19th-century firearms evolution. Originally designed as a single-shot, this specimen features the box magazine conversion designed by Giuseppe Vitali. The octagonal barrel breech is clearly stamped “BRESCIA” and dated “1884,” indicating its origin from the prestigious Italian state arsenal. The walnut stock is adorned with various arsenal cartouches and a serial number “NP 2566” that corresponds to the receiver markings. This piece is rich with personalized history, featuring the initials “JAL” carved into the left side of the stock below the breech and a deliberate line of approximately 50 stippled dots along the right side, suggesting a unique service record. The wood shows a deep, aged patina with expected field wear including scattered dings and scratches; the metalwork exhibits a consistent plum-brown patina, and the bore is noted as being fairly clean with strong rifling. H 6″, W 3″, D 53.25″. Please see photos for overall condition. S/N NP2566. Antique.
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