This rifle from the reference collection is a Italian Vetterli-Vitali M 1870-87. It was made in 1880 as stamped on the left side of the barrel. It is a magazine conversion of the M1870 single shot rifle. This conversion consisted of a metal shroud around the magazine housing, removing the dust cover and installing a knurled knob on the bolt to close of the magazine to allow single shot firing. There were a few other changes. For furtherinformation on this and other Vetterli rifles check out this very interesting book by Robert Wilsey.
You can find it here.
https://www.amazon.com/Italian-Vetterli-Rifle-Development-Variants/dp/1931464723
Now on to the pictures
A close up of the receiver.
The M90 rear sight .
The stock markings.
Bayonet lug on the side of the barrel.
A view of the rear locking lugs
A look at the magazine follower and the face of the bolt.
Very neat rifle!
Yes they are. I find a lot of the older rifles to be more interesting
An odd rifle for sure but interesting. Did you ever shoot one? I’m sure it would be one to remember.
Pete
Not yet but it is on the list of things to do