W+F Bern Swiss 1896/11 - 249xxx
Swiss 1896/11 Infantry Rifle, produced in 1899, in very good condition with 85% original finish. 5/5 Bore. 4/5 Stock. Stock and handguard matching serial numbers. Bolt matching serial number. Magazine matching serial number.
Furniture had been previously sanded as the Swiss military inspection stamp on the right side of the stock is shallow, but there are still numerous pressure marks throughout the furniture, considering that the rifle is over 120 years old. Finish wear around the butt of the stock.
On the right side of the stock, there are a pair of long gouges at the top of the grip, to the left of the cutout for the bolt release lever. there are pressure marks around the right edge of the finger groove, and a gouge inside the right side of the finger groove. On the left side of the stock, there is a gouge near the toe and several long, mild to fair pressure marks around the halfway point of the butt. Heavy handling wear and finish wear along the side of the stock from the grip to the right side of the finger groove, with multiple marks and light gouges present. Small gouge just below the bottom edge of the finger groove. Gouging before the rear barrel band. On the underside of the stock, on the right side of the magazine plate there is a heavy pressure mark near the trigger guard and a heavy gouge near the magazine catch. There are a several light gouges on the forearm from the end of the magazine plate to the rear barrel band. There are a few light gouges along the comb. On the handguard from the ferrule to the rear barrel band there are several marks and light scrapes, and in between the two barrel bands there is a heavy pressure mark on the top side and a few light gouges.
The comb of the stock is stamped with what appears to be a Bernese bear for Canton Bern, and an armory rack number, partially illegible, that reads 108??5.
Receiver has light to mild finish wear throughout, with the heavier finish wear noted over the chamber. Mild patina over the front third of the receiver. Light surface marks on the right side of the receiver. Both barrel bands have light finish wear and light patina. Light finish wear and light patina on the magazine plate. Mild finish wear and light patina on the trigger guard. Fair edge wear, mild finish wear, and mild patina on the magazine base.
Receiver is P 61 stamped, indicating privatization in 1961. ·9 stamped underneath the serial number indicates armory refurbishment in 1909.
Includes leather sling.
C&R Eligible. Import engraved.