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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