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1914: Larne Gun Running Italian Vetterli-Vitali infantry rifle 1870/87 model

Currency:EUR Category:Collectibles Start Price:720.00 EUR Estimated At:800.00 - 1,000.00 EUR
1914: Larne Gun Running Italian Vetterli-Vitali infantry rifle 1870/87 model

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Auction Date:2011 Sep 24 @ 12:00 (UTC+1)
Location:The Freemasons Hall - 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin, Dublin, ., Ireland
1914: Larne Gun Running Italian Vetterli-Vitali infantry rifle 1870/87 model
walnut stock, metal receiver and barrel


A Vetterli rifle serial number "UZ 5721" Manufactured at the Torre Annunziata arsenal in 1881, converted to a four shot repeating rifle in 1887 at the Terni arsenal as indicated by a cartouche on the right side of the butt stock. The Vetterli rifle, named after its Swiss designer, Friedrich Vetterli, was adopted by the Swiss army in 1868 and later by the Italian military. Large numbers of these weapons made their way into Ireland in 1914, including 4,600 which were imported during the Larne gun-running by the Ulster Volunteer Force. Some were also used by the Irish Volunteers during the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence but few have survived today. A rare and interesting piece in excellent condition.