Help Identify this Old Rifle...What the heck is it?

[68rs327]

A friend of mine sent me this photo tonight of this rifle.
He didn't know what it was or the value.
He didn't tell me the markings, just sent the photo.
Any idea what it is and price range?
Thank you,

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[RCS]

Looks like a Vetterli rifle, could be Italian or Swiss, without additional photos difficult to provide information

[Aragorn243]

I believe it is a M1871/88 Dutch Beaumont-Vitali. Missing it's cleaning rod. Really hard to pinpoint a value from one photo but they typically sell on Gunbroker for $300-$500 with most in the $300-$400 range. Missing cleaning rod knocks $50 off.

[DocAV]

Yes, a M1871/88 Beaumont-Vitali Rifle. Many were imported back in the 1920s and 30s (Bannermann) and used by Movie Houses as Props; a lot are still in reasonably good condition ( ie, Fireable)

Ammo can be made from Starline 50/90 Cases, or for BP loads, CBC 32gauge Brass shell cases. A bit of work is required to size and trim the cases down to 11x52R Beaumont, but the Starline case will give a good strong ( smokeless loadable) case.

Loading Chargers (Clips) are "Rocking Horse Apples"...they are similar, but bigger than the Vetterli-Vitali 4 round tinplate and wood Charger (M1870/87).

Magazine can be loaded one round at a time, though.

A good start for a collector/shooter of BP cartridge repeaters.

Doc AV