| Place | Africa: North Africa, Libya, Cyrenaica, Tobruk Area, Tobruk |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL28591 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Firearm |
| Maker |
Brescia State Arsenal |
| Place made | Italy |
| Date made | 1874;1889;1918 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Italian Vetterli-Vitali Model 1870/87/15 Rifle : Italian Army
Description
Italian Vetterli-Vitali Model 1870/87/15 bolt action rifle. Breech stamped BRECIA within an oval over 1874 and the serial number. The butt has the number KV6425 crossed out on the right side with the new serial number above. On the left side of the butt is a banner with UFFICIO PROVVISORIO D'ARTIGLIERIA GARDONE V.T. stamped over the original arsenal mark dated 1918. This rifle was converted in 1889 to take a magazine feed and again in 1918 for the new 6.5 mm ammunition.
History / Summary
This rifle was collected at Tobruk by the Australian Military History Team. Commonly reported to have been used only by Blackshirt Troops.