Rim-Fire Vetterli Worth

[Tower75]

Hi Guys and Girls,

I've had for quite a while a German-made, Swiss M1881 Vetterli rifle. This one hasn't been converted to centre-fire like a lot of rifles in private hands have been, it is still in it's military rim-fire chambering.

I was wondering, would any one know, roughly, what these are worth?

Slight damage/repair to the wrist.

Regards
T

[lapua338]

I've seen them for sale from £250 to £995!

So it's very difficult to put an exact figure on what it's worth.

The one for sale at £995 was all matching in exceptional condition with an unusual set trigger, mint shooting bore and retaining 90% of the original blue.

Others I've seen for sale are typically around £450-475.

I suppose it largely depends upon what people are prepared to pay for a "wall hanger".

[Tower75]

Thanks for the input.

I might try my luck and stick it on Gunbroker or something - you never know. Plus, someone might take it and convert it to centre-fire. Good luck to 'em - that's outside of my skill set.

Regards
T

[dave_303]

I'd go for the £350-500 mark ( i know it's a wide guestimate)

google swiss rifles, the site has a good breakdown of models and manufactures,
Short rifles with set triggers belonged to sharp shooters therefore hold a premium

[Tower75]

Thanks for the info, Dave.

I don't suppose anyone knows anyone that has converted one of these? I know that in the US it is quite common to convert Vetterlis, but I've never seen or even heard that it is done by people over here. Plus, I assume getting dies and brass for it would be hard - I guess you'd have to make it from something as equally big and brassy... and expensive

Regards
T