Make: Waffenfabrik Bern

Model: Vetterli 1871 Stutzer

Serial Number: 11688

Year of Manufacture: 1874 / ATF Classification: Antique

Caliber/Gauge: 10.4x38mm Swiss Centerfire / .41 Swiss Centerfire

Action Type: Bolt action, 12 round tubular magazine

Barrel Length: 30.75"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a raised blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a curved elevator with a v-notch blade that can be raised for increased sighting distance, up to 1600 meters.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished furniture is in the correct Stutzer configuration with it’s single barrel band and nosecap. The wood stock has a straight wrist grip, straight comb, and a smooth metal crescent buttplate. The wood shows light wear with scattered pressure dings and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13" from the face of the trigger to the rear of the butt. In this writer's opinion, the furniture rates in Fine condition as an antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some surface oxidation towards the muzzle end of the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is fairly strong showing surface scratches, patina, and freckling. The screw heads are lightly tooled with strong slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about fine condition as Antique, see Mechanics.

Mechanics: The set trigger does not function correctly, the normal trigger functions normally. The action otherwise functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Non-serial matching M1863 bayonet

Our Assessment: This is a very strong example of Switzerland's early repeating service rifle in the Stutzer configuration. Approximately 80% of the original finish remains, with clean, even coverage and light, honest wear consistent with careful preservation. Importantly, the rifle retains matching numbered parts, a significant point of originality that enhances collector appeal. The long 30.75" barrel and unique Stutzer furniture give the rifle its distinctive military target profile and extended sight radius.

Mechanically, the rifle is excellent apart from its set-trigger which is not functioning properly. The bore rates 9 out of 10, showing bright steel and strong rifling, an impressive level of condition for a nineteenth century service arm. The Vetterli action functions correctly, cycling smoothly with proper lockup and reliable operation. The tube fed bolt action reflects Switzerland's advanced small arms engineering of the period.

The included M1863 bayonet adds meaningful historical context and display value, completing a correct Swiss infantry set. These bayonets are closely associated with early Vetterli service and significantly enhance the overall presentation.

Historically, the Model 1871 Vetterli was among the first successful bolt action repeating rifles adopted for military service and represented a major step forward in infantry firepower. Swiss manufactured examples from Waffenfabrik Bern are particularly well regarded for their quality of materials and precision workmanship. A 1874 dated Stutzer with strong original finish, matching numbers, an excellent bore, and correct period accoutrements stands as a highly desirable and historically important example of early European military rifle development.