Swiss Feldstutzer - provisional proof

[Jessesky]

Picked up an 1851 feldstutzer, a large percentage were made in Belgium for Switzerland (which is normal).

A bit of a peculiarity however as it has a provisional Belgian proof (aka meaning it has intentionally been left unfinished, to be finished at a later date). The barrel is unrifled, 10.1mm rather than the normal 10.4mm. The rear adjustable sight is also unmarked.

Feldstutzers were also available commercially, I can only assume this was a commercial gun waiting to be a made to order rifle in the customers specifications. I.e caliber, and rifling twist specification. Also with the rear sight blank ready to be engraved with the customers appropriate trajectory marks.

Currently debating if I should have rifling cut so I can enjoy it as a shooter and not a smoothbore, or if I should leave the barrel blank in its state. Normally I keep guns in their original state, but this was marked with the intent to be finished.

Any additional information as to this peculiar configuration is appreciated because these are all inferences based on research.

 

[boom boom]

You come up with some interesting firearms and pictures Jessesky!

 

[Jessesky]

You come up with some interesting firearms and pictures Jessesky!

I appreciate it coming from you! I aim to make my collection as unusual and obscure as possible. This will complete my Swiss service rifle evolution.

 

[boom boom]

I appreciate it coming from you! I aim to make my collection as unusual and obscure as possible. This will complete my Swiss service rifle evolution.

I appreciate that you take good pictures and identify what you have. You also take care to point out distinguishing marks. Your sharing can help people in the present and future when trying to identify a firearm so kudos to you.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Try sending any specific question to "The Chap" via the Bloke on the Range Facebook page -- he's got a couple of these and really seems to know his Swiss rifle lore: https://www.facebook.com/Blokeontherange/

 

[Jessesky]

Try sending any specific question to "The Chap" via the Bloke on the Range Facebook page -- he's got a couple of these and really seems to know his Swiss rifle lore: https://www.facebook.com/Blokeontherange/

Bloke referred me to Chap, and Chap and I actually had a very good conversation about it.

 

[armoredman]

That is fascinating. I would keep that as an interesting piece of history and buy a shooter later, if possible

 

[LoonWulf]

To ME it seems like it would want to be completed and used....I have weird ideas like that tho.

Anyway,very cool long arm!

 

[792mauser]

I'd finish it.
Then proof it.

Then have a Guinness record for longest time to complete a rifle.