524

Vetterli Model 1871 "We Sell" Folk Art Gun Sign

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:250.00 - 500.00 USD
Vetterli Model 1871  We Sell  Folk Art Gun Sign
For your consideration is this folk art "We Sell" gun sign made from a Repetiergewehr Vetterli Model 1871 rifle circa 1930-40s. The 1869 Repetiergewehr Vetterli was the first iteration of Vetterli rifles to go into full mass production. It was designed by Johann-Friedrich Vetterli (1822–1882), a Swiss rifle maker, who worked in France and England before becoming director of the Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft's armament factory in Neuhausen, Switzerland. Even while manufacture of the M1869/71 was underway, a new 1871 model was put into production. It omitted some redundant parts and featured a modified sight as well as a stronger barrel and stronger iron hoops. The gun has had its barrel capped and the bolt welded down. It has been painted with a burnt orange color and reads, "We Sell" in yellow paint on both sides of the gun. This would have hung over a gun store, advertising to customers that they sold firearms. The piece shows wear from its age and use over the years, but is mostly intact with all of its parts. The gun measures 51 1/4" L x 7" W.