Original Swiss Vetterli Repetiergewehr M1871 Infantry Magazine Rifle by W.v. Steiger Serial No 22320 - 10.35 x 47mm Spade Grip Assembly It is most likely that

It is most likely that after further field tests the production of helmet covers with foliage slits was discontinued somewhere in 1943

to begin its operational life

The top of the barrel is marked 17 - L - D

The writing consists of PIPER on the reverse

There is a bit of light overall fouling

Original Swiss Vetterli Repetiergewehr M1871 Infantry Magazine Rifle by W.v. Steiger Serial No 22320 - 10.35 x 47mm Spade Grip Assembly It is most likely thatOriginal Item: Only One Available. Introduced in 1867, the Vetterli rifle system utilized the "Winchester" tube magazine system for cartridge storage under the barrel. The original 1867 model had an external hammer, like a Winchester, but in 1868 this was changed to an internal cocking bolt spring. The cleaning rod was moved to the side of the rifle, but this proved problematic, so the model of 1869 moved it back to the under barrel position. In 1871,