My first Swiss...but what is it?

[Brownwater]

I collect Russian rifles as a rule.........however,

I went to the local pawn shop a couple of days ago just to "poke around" & see what was in the rifle case. There was not much to look at - just the run-of-the-mill shotguns, .22's and a couple of bolt action sporters. At the end of the end of the shelf there was an antique-looking rifle that was labeled simply "Bellefontaine Cordier, 41 cal.

I asked to look it over, so the attendant handed it to me. It was kind of bulky, a bit heavy, nice bore, the action worked well and it was priced at $175.00.

Problem IS....curiosity made me put it on lay-away (only had a few bucks on me at the time) and I really have no idea what I bought! I did a little research on the web - searching Gunbroker, some of the dealer sites and Googling Bellefontaine Cordier.

I THINK its an 1869/71 Vetterli infantry rifle, but not sure. It has strong similarities to the pictures of that rifle I've seen on the web. Most of the pix show the serial no. and SOC. IND. SUISSE, but mine has the serial no. and CORDIER & CAE., BERNE......I can't remember much else.....I'll get it off lay-away on Friday and inspect if further then. Any help identifying it further will be appreciated.

Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

"Bellefontaine bei Porrentruy" in the Jura was the company location. The company was called Cordier & Co. (German) or Cordier & Cie. (French). Recorded as being active around 1870, so yes, it sounds like a commercially made 69/71 Vetterli (not much choice in that caliber). The 1869 can be identified by the loading gate cover. This feature is missing on the /71. See Poyer "Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles" for details and photos.


Patrick

[Latigo]

Or... you can go here and do a visual.
Detailed photographic comparison of Vetterli models

[Brownwater]

"Bellefontaine bei Porrentruy" in the Jura was the company location. The company was called Cordier & Co. (German) or Cordier & Cie. (French). Recorded as being active around 1870, so yes, it sounds like a commercially made 69/71 Vetterli (not much choice in that caliber). The 1869 can be identified by the loading gate cover. This feature is missing on the /71. See Poyer "Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles" for details and photos.


Patrick

Thanks Patrick......There is no loading gate cover, so I'll assume that it's an 1871. Does it have any collector value & did I pay a fair price?...Happy Thanksgiving, Butch.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Does it have any collector value & did I pay a fair price?

As always - it depends on the condition. If it is all there and looks like a shooter*, that seems a fair price. I am unable to give an informed opinion about collector values. Ask a local!
*Of course, since it uses a rimfire cartridge, it will be a problem to shoot.


Patrick

[Latigo]

I assume that you didn't go check the comparison. Post some closeups and I might be able to help with the dollar approximation.