When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
SwissModel 1871 Vetterli Wischkolben / Lavoir – 1st Model
Description:Scarce original Swiss Model 1871 Wischkolben, or Lavoir, manufactured as partof the cleaning equipment issued for the Vetterli rifle system. This is the 1stModel 1871 pattern, manufactured of steel and finished in the white, with thebare steel surfaces left unblued. It measures approximately 90 mm (3.54\")in overall length with a maximum diameter of approximately 8.5 mm.
TheWischkolben was designed to screw onto the end of the Vetterli cleaning rod.The upper portion consists of a 28 mm-long cylindrical threaded section with anoblong opening designed to receive the blade of the issued screwdriver. Themain cleaning portion measures approximately 56 mm in length and has a squarecross-section with distinctive saw-tooth or serrated edges. These serrationswere specifically designed to retain a cleaning cloth while the implement waspassed through the bore.
Theend terminates in a short cylindrical section approximately 6 mm long. Thisexample retains its characteristic in-the-white steel finish and also bears asmall Swiss federal inspection/acceptance mark consisting of the Swiss crossover the letter “M” within an oval cartouche.
Thisfirst-pattern steel Wischkolben was subsequently affected by the Swiss decisionof February 3, 1875, concerning changes to accessories for the Vetterli weaponssystem. Among the changes addressed were the modification of the Lavoir andintroduction of a cleaning brush. Later Wischkolben patterns were considerablyshorter and manufactured of brass, making this long 90 mm steel version readilydistinguishable as the 1st Model 1871 pattern.
Avery nice and difficult-to-find example of an original 1st Model 1871 VetterliWischkolben/Lavoir, retaining its proper in-the-white steel finish. Anexcellent accessory for an advanced collection of Swiss military firearms,tools, or accoutrements.
Measures:OAL 3.543” D .335”
Shipped via USPS Ground Advantage
