This is the Model 1870 with the 1887 magazine conversion. The Italian Vitiali Model 1870 Infantry rifle was a single shot bolt action rifle. This later variation added the uniquely shaped Vitali fixed magazine, creating a bolt action repeating rifle. Contemporary to the U. S. Model 1873 Springfield Trapdoor rifle, while we were using single shots, the European countries were building early bolt action magazine rifles, using bottleneck cartridges, very advanced for this late black powder cartridge era. This rifle is missing its cleaning rod. The stock has been coated with a semi gloss finish and it does have some runs on the buttstock. The bore is mostly bright in excellent condition. The buttstock has a bold cartouche on the right side. Weight is 9.5 pounds and the trigger reach is 13-1/4".
The tapered round barrel is 34" long. A short 1" octagon section, at the breech end of the barrel, is marked 1874 on the left flat. A Torino stamp is on the flat above the date stamp. The top flat has a crown stamp. The right oblique flat is stamped with the letter G and serial number. The barrel is fitted with the Vecchi pattern rear sight graduated from 275 to 1800. The front sight is a standard military blade, on an integral base. The blade is slightly offset to the right hand side. The bore on this example is mostly bright with a few small speckles on the edges of the grooves.
The European walnut buttstock has major cracks or repairs visible. It has been coated with a semi-gloss finish and the buttstock does have a run in the finish. A large cartouche is stamped on the right side of the buttstock. A sling swivel is fitted to the buttstock, and the forward swivel is mounted to the rear barrel band. A black leather sling is fitted. The steel cleaning rod is missing.
The magazine fed center fire bolt action is surprisingly modern, considering this time period. The USA was armed with single shot Trapdoor rifles during this era, perhaps due to our huge investment in muzzle loading technology during our Civil War. Pulling the bolt open ejects the fired case, and causes the spring loaded magazine to lift the next cartridge into position. The action has a de-cocker below the bolt handle. When pushed forward it engages the bolt, keeping it from fully closing and simultaneously de-cocking the firing pin.
The bolt handle is brought up and back down without opening the bolt, which re-cocks the firing pin and causes the de-cocking lever to reset below the bolt handle, and allows the bolt to be fully closed with the firing pin cocked and the rifle ready to be fired. This action works crisply, and seems to be in perfect working order.
The bayonet is 25-1/4" overall length and has a 20-3/8" long blade. The blade has a a salt and pepper patina. The edge has a dark patina from being stored for a long period of time with an edge protector in place. The number on the guard does not match the rifle, but it does fit properly.
This Italian Vertterli - Vitali Model 1870/87 Bolt Action Rifle rifle would make a great addition to your turn of the century or First World War gun collection. It has a wonderful warm patina and will make a great display piece. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.
The tapered round barrel is 34" long. A short 1" octagon section, at the breech end of the barrel, is marked 1874 on the left flat. A Torino stamp is on the flat above the date stamp. The top flat has a crown stamp. The right oblique flat is stamped with the letter G and serial number. The barrel is fitted with the Vecchi pattern rear sight graduated from 275 to 1800. The front sight is a standard military blade, on an integral base. The blade is slightly offset to the right hand side. The bore on this example is mostly bright with a few small speckles on the edges of the grooves.
The European walnut buttstock has major cracks or repairs visible. It has been coated with a semi-gloss finish and the buttstock does have a run in the finish. A large cartouche is stamped on the right side of the buttstock. A sling swivel is fitted to the buttstock, and the forward swivel is mounted to the rear barrel band. A black leather sling is fitted. The steel cleaning rod is missing.
The magazine fed center fire bolt action is surprisingly modern, considering this time period. The USA was armed with single shot Trapdoor rifles during this era, perhaps due to our huge investment in muzzle loading technology during our Civil War. Pulling the bolt open ejects the fired case, and causes the spring loaded magazine to lift the next cartridge into position. The action has a de-cocker below the bolt handle. When pushed forward it engages the bolt, keeping it from fully closing and simultaneously de-cocking the firing pin.
The bolt handle is brought up and back down without opening the bolt, which re-cocks the firing pin and causes the de-cocking lever to reset below the bolt handle, and allows the bolt to be fully closed with the firing pin cocked and the rifle ready to be fired. This action works crisply, and seems to be in perfect working order.
The bayonet is 25-1/4" overall length and has a 20-3/8" long blade. The blade has a a salt and pepper patina. The edge has a dark patina from being stored for a long period of time with an edge protector in place. The number on the guard does not match the rifle, but it does fit properly.
This Italian Vertterli - Vitali Model 1870/87 Bolt Action Rifle rifle would make a great addition to your turn of the century or First World War gun collection. It has a wonderful warm patina and will make a great display piece. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.
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