Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this collectible bolt-action rifle today for auction, this is the Waffenfabrik Bern (W+F) K31.
The troop tag under the buttplate is marked "Bourquin Jacques / Le Daley, Lutry / 42”.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Waffenfabrik Bern (W+F)
Model: K31
Serial: 980102
Date of Manufacture: 1952 (According to https://k31.ch/en/docs/k31-serial-numbers-and-manufacturing-dates/)
Caliber: 7.5x55mm Swiss
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25.67"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Tangent Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the receiver is stamped “K31 SIG SWISS 7.5X55 / C.A.I. GEORGIA VT. SER.K3101626 / 980102”. The top of the receiver is stamped with the Swiss crest. The right side of the stock has the initials “JB”. The troop tag under the buttplate is marked “Bourquin Jacques / Le Daley, Lutry / 42”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Swiss Karabiner Model 1931 (K31) is widely regarded as a superior bolt-action rifle, and many historians credit it as a cornerstone of Switzerland’s militia-based defense system, which contributed to the country’s strategy of deterrence during World War II. As the standard-issue infantry weapon of Switzerland's militia army, the K31 was issued to soldiers from 1933 to 1958, making it an important component of Switzerland's national defense strategy. The K31 was introduced as a replacement for both the Model 1911 and the K11 and served as the Swiss standard-issue rifle for the Swiss military from its adoption in 1933 until it was replaced by the STG-57 in 1958. Notably, the K31 was the last bolt-action service rifle used by Switzerland, although modified versions continued to see service well into the 1970s due to their exceptional reliability and accuracy. The rifle is chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss (GP11) and features a 25.67-inch barrel and a 6-round detachable magazine. While the K31 is a straight-pull carbine built upon the design principles of earlier Schmidt-Rubin service rifles, it was not designed by Rudolf Schmidt, who had passed away by the time the K31 was developed. Instead, Colonel Adolf Furrer of Waffenfabrik Bern oversaw its design, though Schmidt's influence is still evident throughout the rifle. One of the K31's most striking features is its straight-pull bolt action, which sets it apart from its contemporaries, such as the Springfield, Mosin-Nagant, and Mauser K98 rifles. These rifles used a rotating bolt system that required the user to move the bolt handle in a distinctive “up and back, forward and down” motion. The K31's straight-pull action allowed for a quicker operation of the bolt, requiring less pronounced arm movement while maintaining a high rate of fire and a consistent sight picture.
Model: K31
Serial: 980102
Date of Manufacture: 1952 (According to https://k31.ch/en/docs/k31-serial-numbers-and-manufacturing-dates/)
Caliber: 7.5x55mm Swiss
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25.67"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Tangent Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the receiver is stamped “K31 SIG SWISS 7.5X55 / C.A.I. GEORGIA VT. SER.K3101626 / 980102”. The top of the receiver is stamped with the Swiss crest. The right side of the stock has the initials “JB”. The troop tag under the buttplate is marked “Bourquin Jacques / Le Daley, Lutry / 42”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Swiss Karabiner Model 1931 (K31) is widely regarded as a superior bolt-action rifle, and many historians credit it as a cornerstone of Switzerland’s militia-based defense system, which contributed to the country’s strategy of deterrence during World War II. As the standard-issue infantry weapon of Switzerland's militia army, the K31 was issued to soldiers from 1933 to 1958, making it an important component of Switzerland's national defense strategy. The K31 was introduced as a replacement for both the Model 1911 and the K11 and served as the Swiss standard-issue rifle for the Swiss military from its adoption in 1933 until it was replaced by the STG-57 in 1958. Notably, the K31 was the last bolt-action service rifle used by Switzerland, although modified versions continued to see service well into the 1970s due to their exceptional reliability and accuracy. The rifle is chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss (GP11) and features a 25.67-inch barrel and a 6-round detachable magazine. While the K31 is a straight-pull carbine built upon the design principles of earlier Schmidt-Rubin service rifles, it was not designed by Rudolf Schmidt, who had passed away by the time the K31 was developed. Instead, Colonel Adolf Furrer of Waffenfabrik Bern oversaw its design, though Schmidt's influence is still evident throughout the rifle. One of the K31's most striking features is its straight-pull bolt action, which sets it apart from its contemporaries, such as the Springfield, Mosin-Nagant, and Mauser K98 rifles. These rifles used a rotating bolt system that required the user to move the bolt handle in a distinctive “up and back, forward and down” motion. The K31's straight-pull action allowed for a quicker operation of the bolt, requiring less pronounced arm movement while maintaining a high rate of fire and a consistent sight picture.
This faster, more efficient operation helped Swiss soldiers maintain their positions during engagements without excessive movement. Given Switzerland’s neutral stance during World War II, the K31 rifles saw far less wear and tear than their counterparts used by other European militaries, making them remarkably well preserved. A total of 528,230 K31 rifles were produced between 1933 and 1958, with minor production changes reflecting the evolving needs of the Swiss military over time. Many surviving examples still contain the original Swiss “troop tag” beneath the steel buttplate. This small identification card often recorded the name, address, and unit of the Swiss soldier to whom the rifle was issued, allowing some rifles to be traced back to their original owners. The K31 is not only a testament to Swiss engineering but also to Switzerland’s long-standing strategic focus on defense and preparedness.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with one magazine and a troop tag (located under the buttplate).
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1160902805 |
BidPrice: |
749.99 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-04-05 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
749.99 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-04-05 17:04:32 |





