#687 Swiss Vetterli M1871This is an absolutely gorgeous Swiss Vetterli in every respect, one of the nicest M1871 Swiss Vetterlis I have come across in a long while. The wood is a rich dark color, looking like it has never been issued. The blued parts including the barrel, bands, rear sight, receiver, bolt cover and lifter assembly remain in their rich dark almost new deep appearance and the un-blued components, rod, nose cap, bolt parts and trigger guard are either in original bright white or only slightly patinaed with no rust whatsoever. The bore is considerably better. Perfect? Factory-new? Immaculate? Take your pick. And it even has its original cleaning rod. All of the parts are there and all of the numbers match. The rifle functions perfectly and if converted to center-fire would make an excellent shooter. This rifle is gorgeous and near perfect in just about every respect. The butt stock does have its date (model number?) of 1871 stamped into it, which is unlikely original, but does not detract. There is also what might be a repair on the right hand side of the butt stock (see photos) in the form of a small rectangular inlay (see pics). It also looks like the serial numbered, matching butt plate has been painted black, but it does not appear to be rusted or pitted, so you could leave it or it would clean off to a nice finish. This is a really worthy M71 Swiss Vetterli. Unlike the later M1878/81s and M1881s, these earlier M1871 Vetterlis are very difficult to find in such nice condition.