LSB#: 120417EM07
Make: Vetterli / Bern
Model: M.78 / 1878
Serial Number: 154069
Year of Manufacture: 1878-1881
Caliber: 10.4 x 42R / 41 Swiss
Action Type: Bolt Action, Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “ + / Waffenfabrik / Bern / 154069 / M.78.”. The left side of the barrel below the rear sight is marked “154069”. The two pieces of the rear sight, the butt plate, bolt handle, bolt housing, and the floor plate are marked “69”. There are many scattered proof marks, most are difficult to read. The right side of the receiver is marked “MB” just ahead of the bolt handle. There is a “ + C” cartouche on the right side of the for end, and “D4+CI” and “+4” on the top of the butt stock.
Barrel Length: 33”
Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a fixed blade on a raised post front sight, and an elevation adjustable rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are military smooth wood. There are numerous nicks and dings but no visible cracks or losses. The stock is darkened probably from use at the rear of the receiver, mostly on the right side. There are a few compression marks on the left side of the wrist and on the bottom of the buttstock. The LOP measures approx. 12” from the front of the trigger to the back of the metal butt plate. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dull and the rifling is sharp if a little shallow. There is mild erosion in the flats about mid length.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows good blue color on the barrel from the barrel band back to the receiver, and brown patina on the rest. There is surface rust and erosion on the receiver and bolt. This may clean up well with some elbow grease and steel wool. There is pitting and freckled rust on the bottom metal surfaces. The Screw heads are mostly sharp. The end cap of the forend is missing but the magazine spring is retained by a washer. There are a few showing minor use/disfiguration, but all are serviceable. The markings are clear except for the proof marks. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. The end cap of the forend is missing but the magazine spring is retained by a washer.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is a pre-WWI battle rifle. It held 11 rounds of repeating firepower with a large caliber - making it a well made and effective weapon. This rifle was way ahead of its time. A little work and this rifle can be cleaned up. This will make a good collector's addition. Please see page 276 of “The Standard catalog of Military Firearms”, by Ned Schwing for more details.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle is classified as an Antique and can be sold to anyone 18 years of age with valid ID.
Shipping:
UPS Insured shipping will cost $35. To reduce the likelihood of damage during shipping, we may disassemble long guns by removing stocks when it is possible & easy and will not damage the wood or screws. We will also break down takedowns. We have had problems with rough carrier handling breaking the stocks at the wrist, and since we have begun to disassemble, we have not had any breakage. All parts will be individually wrapped. If you would prefer to not have your item disassembled, please let us know as soon as you win the bid. We package all merchandise for shipment on the Monday following the sale.
Your item will be shipped within 1 week of receipt of good funds, usually the next day. You will receive an automatic notification with a tracking number upon shipment, to let you know that we have received funds. If you are in Southern California, you are welcome to pick your item up and complete the transfer at our shop in Simi Valley (M-F, 8-5).
This gun can only be shipped to a verified adult, and it will be shipped from an FFL. It is your responsibility to ensure that the gun is legal to own and receive in your area. Please include a copy of your driver’s license with payment; this is for proof of age. We are FFL dealers and comply with all Federal, State and local laws.
Payment:
Full payment on non-layaway items is required within 14 days. We accept Cashiers Checks, Money Orders, Cash and Personal Checks. No Credit Cards or electronic payments are accepted. To help us properly apply your payment, please indicate what item you have purchased when payment and/or FFL are sent. If you would like to be notified when we receive your payment, please obtain a tracking number from your carrier. We receive about 40 checks a day and do not have the staff required to email everyone when we receive checks.
CA Sales tax applies to CA buyers (7.25%).
Layaways are offered on all items, requiring a 20% non refundable down payment within 7 days of the auction’s close and the balance within 60 days. We do not require prior notice to place an item on the layaway. No returns are accepted on layaway items and the item will be considered abandoned after 60 days.
Successful Bidder Instructions:
You will be invoiced by the morning following the sale. This invoice will include totals for the sale and all instructions.
If you win an item and are not willing or able to complete the sale, you will be liable for 5% of the sale price.
Returns (less shipping) are accepted within 3 days of when the item is delivered with signature confirmation. Returns are very costly for both the buyer and for us, so please ask all of your questions before bidding and please be sure you can legally purchase this item.
Please leave feedback when the gun is happily received, we will leave feedback in return. If you are not satisfied, for any reason, please contact us before leaving negative or neutral feedback. (805) 285-0715
No gun should be fired without being examined by a competent gunsmith.
Payment Methods:
Money Orders, Personal Checks, Cashiers Checks,
Ships Using:
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