Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this bolt-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft, Neuhausen Vetterli Model 1869.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft, Neuhausen
Model: Vetterli Model 1869
Serial: 55298
Date of Manufacture: 1869-1874
Caliber: 10.4x38mmR Swiss (.41 Swiss)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 33"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Buttstock with Checkered Walnut Forearm
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the receiver is marked "SOC.IND.SUISSE/ (Swiss cross)/ SYST.VETTERLI" under the serial number “55298”. The left side of the barrel is marked with the serial number “55298”. The left side of the barrel is marked with a “Cross/M” proof mark, and the right side is marked with a "Cross/B" proof mark. The rear sight is marked with a “Cross/M” proof mark. The top of the receiver is marked with a “Cross/M” proof mark. The bottom of the cartridge lifter is marked with the serial number “55298”. The bottom of the trigger guard is marked with a “Cross/M” proof mark.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Swiss Vetterli Model 1869 Repetiergewehr stands as a monumental achievement in small arms history, representing the world's first repeating, bolt-action magazine rifle adopted for standard military service. Designed by Johann-Friedrich Vetterli—whose engineering expertise was forged in France and England before he became the director of the Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft (SIG) armament factory in Neuhausen—the rifle was born from a strategic 1866 decision by the Swiss Federal Council to modernize the nation's military infrastructure. Replacing the obsolete Amsler-Milbank conversion system, Vetterli brilliantly fused a robust turn-bolt action with the high-capacity, under-barrel tubular magazine and mechanical elevator architecture of the American Winchester Model 1866. This innovative bolt assembly introduced two opposed rear locking lugs for superior chamber strength, alongside a self-cocking-on-opening mechanism. Combined with an unprecedented 12-round total capacity and manageable intermediate ammunition, this integrated system achieved a level of rapid-fire efficiency that vastly outclassed contemporary, simpler single-shot platforms like the Dreyse and Chassepot. Firing a proprietary 10.4×38mmR (.41 Swiss) rimfire cartridge—widely recognized as the first standard-issue intermediate military round—the rifle yielded highly controllable handling while maintaining an unmatched volume of fire.
Model: Vetterli Model 1869
Serial: 55298
Date of Manufacture: 1869-1874
Caliber: 10.4x38mmR Swiss (.41 Swiss)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 33"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Buttstock with Checkered Walnut Forearm
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the receiver is marked "SOC.IND.SUISSE/ (Swiss cross)/ SYST.VETTERLI" under the serial number “55298”. The left side of the barrel is marked with the serial number “55298”. The left side of the barrel is marked with a “Cross/M” proof mark, and the right side is marked with a "Cross/B" proof mark. The rear sight is marked with a “Cross/M” proof mark. The top of the receiver is marked with a “Cross/M” proof mark. The bottom of the cartridge lifter is marked with the serial number “55298”. The bottom of the trigger guard is marked with a “Cross/M” proof mark.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Swiss Vetterli Model 1869 Repetiergewehr stands as a monumental achievement in small arms history, representing the world's first repeating, bolt-action magazine rifle adopted for standard military service. Designed by Johann-Friedrich Vetterli—whose engineering expertise was forged in France and England before he became the director of the Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft (SIG) armament factory in Neuhausen—the rifle was born from a strategic 1866 decision by the Swiss Federal Council to modernize the nation's military infrastructure. Replacing the obsolete Amsler-Milbank conversion system, Vetterli brilliantly fused a robust turn-bolt action with the high-capacity, under-barrel tubular magazine and mechanical elevator architecture of the American Winchester Model 1866. This innovative bolt assembly introduced two opposed rear locking lugs for superior chamber strength, alongside a self-cocking-on-opening mechanism. Combined with an unprecedented 12-round total capacity and manageable intermediate ammunition, this integrated system achieved a level of rapid-fire efficiency that vastly outclassed contemporary, simpler single-shot platforms like the Dreyse and Chassepot. Firing a proprietary 10.4×38mmR (.41 Swiss) rimfire cartridge—widely recognized as the first standard-issue intermediate military round—the rifle yielded highly controllable handling while maintaining an unmatched volume of fire.
This overwhelming firepower made the Vetterli the most technologically advanced infantry weapon in Europe for over a decade, defending Swiss neutrality until its 1889 replacement by the Schmidt–Rubin. Its profound mechanical legacy not only influenced international ordnance, such as the Italian Army's single-shot centerfire adaptation, but also domestically evolved. In 1871, the design was streamlined into the Model 1869/71 by removing the complex sliding loading-gate cover and the manual magazine cutoff switch to optimize wartime mass production.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with one vintage 18-round box of Remington Kleanbore .41 Swiss ammunition.
(Please note that the box of ammo will ship separately at an additional cost.)
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
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1177050188 |
BidPrice: |
71.69 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-05-31 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
156.78 |
