#684 M1870/87 Italian Vetterli-Vitali This is a really nice early Italian Vetterli still in its original 10.4 mm black powder caliber. This rifle was not upgraded as so many were for WWI to the late 6.5 mm Carcano cartridge. The wood on this rifle is in very nice condition showing very few handling marks, lots of original, never cleaned finish and still showing a strong, evident Torino cartouche dated 1889, when the rifle was converted from single shot to the Vitali magazine system. The metal of the barrel sight receiver group still shows strong blue with little evidence of turning to plum. The barrel bands have no finish and are turning plum, as is the trigger guard. The magazine shows strong original blue. The weak parts of the rifle are the bolt spring housing cover, which has some rust, and the butt plate tang seems especially rusted as though it had been exposed more than the rest of the gun. The bottom of the butt plate isn’t too bad. The bore is more than very good but not excellent. By that I mean that it has very strong lands and groves with sharp edges but there do seem to be a few small patches of roughness here and there. It would be a nice bore to lap if you have the ability. This rifle will make a fine shooter OR a nice collection addition and preferably both.