Italian Vetterli markings

[Anzac15]

Picked up a project today, an Italian M70/87/15. Built at Brescia in 1878, its been around and I'm sure it could tell some stories. Aside from needing some minor wood repairs, its pretty solid with a pretty darn good bore (considering the use)
Stock is from a Torino rifle, two cartouche, mismatched of course.
The markings in question...a '33' next to the 1878 date.
A five point star above a mystery mark where barrel meets receiver.
I was also surprised to see the crossed rifle mark..didn't think that came til a bit later, and if that is the case, as these rifles were a last resort, why they would bother marking it with that.
If only they could buy you a pint and tell stories!

Information

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[bob q]

it is marked with the crossed rifles because it is not a " sniper" marking as stated on the internet . It is a total inspection mark , About 1 out of 100 rifle got a complete inspection for quality control .

[Anzac15]

Yeah, I know the whole 'sniper' baloney...I just thought the marking came a bit later in the early 20th century.

[Eaglelord17]

The 5 pointed star is a Italian Refurbishment marking. I have both a Carcano M91 with the mark, and a M95 Carbine in 8x50r with the marking.

I suspect the 33 might be the year it was refurbished (i.e. 1933) but that is speculation not knowledge on my part.

[Anzac15]

I think you may be right about the '33'.

[Eaglelord17]

Also the crossed rifles likely denotes ownership by the TSN (Tiro a Segno Nazionale) the Italian National Marksmenship Society (similar in concept to the early NRA in the USA).

[Anzac15]

Yep, I just thought the crossed rifle marking came about much later, but I found a pic of an M70, still single shot, in excellent condition with the mark.
The marking under the star is the one I'm really curious about. Also, if you look forward of the star, you can just see a couple of what appears to be very small letters.
I'm going to attempt to repair the wood as best as I can.
The soldered sleeve, by the way, is the best I've seen. Most of the examples I've seen look as though they're in the beginning stages of trying to work themselves out. No, I would not shoot it to test the durability!

[Aragorn243]

I've owned two and the sleeve was fine with both of them. Traded the second off as I only bought it for the cleaning rod. No plans to shoot mine either.

[bob q]

I always wondered what made people think the sleeves would shoot out . Since the sleeve is larger in diameter at the chamber end , it can not go forward out the barrel . It is also pinned at the chamber end . The only way the sleeve could go out the muzzle of is if it broke and a piece came loose . I have shot many rounds out of six different rifles . I also have sleeved M-91 Carcanos and Fin Mosins , no problems with those either .

[Aragorn243]

You shooting full power surplus out of the Vetterlis of did you work up a lighter load for them? I wouldn't be adverse shooting mine with reduced loads but not full power. I'm not concerned with the sleeve but the receiver stretching.