Yesterday's Weapons Forums

Those never existed, right? Here we see two I acquired from widely separated sources that have very similar handguards. The 1870/87 Vetterlis in 10.4X47R caliber went to Spain as aid from Stalin to his fellow commies... for a steep price.

The 6,5 variety went to Franco's Nationalists as part of Italy's aid package. But in the ebb and flow of battle, both could have changed sides - possibly more than once.

At this point, I know pretty much nothing about these other than they exist. While very similar, subtle differences can be seen. Shown first is the 1870/87 with "Made in Italy" mark indicating import from Spain where it was used in the Spanish Civil War. ( SCW) The stock doesn't match the barrel number & no Cyrillic proofs can be found thereon.

Made in Italy ( poorly-struck) is seen here as well as the 1892 manufacture date which makes it one of the very last Vetterlis produced before Carcanos were issued.

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These show the handguard from various angles. Notice crude fitting marks and the single barrel clamp with its two screws.

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Here's the barrel band showing clear evidence it was hand-forged to fit

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Slava Ukraini!!

Next we see the 1870/87/15 Vetterli in 6,5 caliber. While the handguard is very similar, there are subtle differences. Mostly in the lack of hand-fitting marks. The barrel band shows no sign of hand forging. The holes in the stock are attachment points for the Krnka Quickloader which I don't believe relates to this topic.

No Made in Italy mark or extra proofs.

On the receiver ring is "37" which may indicate the year something was done in an arsenal. "27" appears in another spot, but pics of that didn't turn out.

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Here are shots of the handguard. While very similar, there ae slight differences which might indicate both are altered handguards from a commonly available rifle of the period.

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Then we have images of both side by side with handguards in place.

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And a side view of both with bayonets. The 6,5 actually has a nice piece of lumber, but as an actual historical artifact, it will remain as found as long as I have it.

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As always when acquiring unusual specimens, more questions arise than answers. The handguards are very similar... does anyone have ideas from what model rifle they were taken? Any other comments or ideas are solicited!

If items like this are posted and discussed, we might learn nothing. If not, then we darn sure won't! I am here to learn, Friends! SW

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Slava Ukraini!!

On another site, an advanced collector told me the handguards were added in Spain during their civil war. I don't have evidence to the otherwise so we'll go with that.

Here again we have an answer that leads to more questions. Like who added them... why do both a Republican and Nationalist rifle have them... But at least we're a little closer. SW

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Slava Ukraini!!

Another Vetterli with handguard has surfaced - in Germany this time.


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It has a hand-fabricated barrel band like one shown above.


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And stock marks of unknown purpose or origin.


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Which means my two are not flukes. The owner has consented to send pics for inclusion in the next Italian rifle book. We discussed possibilities that might explain why a few Vetterlis have the added handguard. While we may never know for certain, I'm leaning toward the idea these are the work of a particular unit's armorer.

As before, I solicit your thoughts and speculation. SW

_________________
Slava Ukraini!!