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Case Auctions
Live Auction

2024 Summer Fine Art & Antiques (Day 1)

Sat, Jul 6, 2024 09:00AM EDT
Lot 522

Waffenfabrik Vetterli M78 10.4mm cal. (.41 Swiss) rimfire Rifle; plus 2 Bayonets

Estimate: $400 - $500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

1st item: Swiss Waffenfabrik Bern Vetterli M78 bolt action rifle, serial #179645, caliber 10.4mm (.41 Swiss) rimfire, walnut full stock, barrel secured by two barrel bands, elevation-adjustable rear sight. Tubular magazine in the wooden forestock holds 12-rounds, plus one in the elevator. Visible serial numbers match; sharp cartouche on butt.  Overall: 52 1/2" L; Barrel 33" L.  Note: The Swiss Vetterli was the first repeating rifle widely adopted for military service. The M78 featured some 25 improvements, including a new bayonet and lug, improved sights, and a finger hook on the trigger guard. 2nd item: Full tang saw back bayonet with wood grip panels, marked with the Royal Prussian Crown over "Erfurt". Inscribed on the hand guard "P.30 E.B. III 57" for Ersatz Pionier-Batallion 30, 111 Company, weapon no. 57. It features a heavy 14.5-inch steel blade with a distinct bulge toward the point, giving extra weight to the front; was known as a "butcher blade". M-1898/05 Bayonet (Seitengewehr), most common German Bayonet of WWI. 3rd item: WWI German Eagle Head KS98 Sawback full tang bayonet with original scabbard. 9 3/4" blade; no markings.

Condition

1st item: Overall good condition for age and use. Semi-functional, bolt operates stiffly cycling the elevator, but spring-firing pin inside bolt does not cock; dirty bore: missing cleaning rod. 2nd item: Oxidation to metal portion of handle and hand guard. 3rd item: A few spots of chrome missing. Small split in back of scabbard body, with oxidation to chape and locket.

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