The Vetterli bolt system was designed by a swiss engineer of that name and introduced into Italian Service in 1870, as a 10mm single load, blackpowder weapon. These were later coverted using the Vitali magazine system. In 1915 many of these now obsolete rifles were reconverted to the Carcano magazinre system. And redesignated 1870/87/15 or /16. The original Vitali magazine was wider so wooden inserts are visible either side of the Carcano mag. The weapons were also converted to 6.5mm by insertion of an internal barrel sleeve.
Marks and Stamps: (Breech) BRESCIA 1889 Serial no proof stamps (R side of Butt) Serial no| Accession Number: 137 | Period of Use: 1881 - 1920s |
| Type: Single shot rifle | War Zones: First World War; Ethiopia |
| Country of Origin: Italy | Type Date: 1915 |
| Manufacturer: Brescia State Ordnance Factory | Serial Number: OS 4284 |
| Manufacture Date: 1889 | Calibre/Ammunition: 6.5mm |
| Weight: | Length Overall: |
| Cyclic Rate: Single shot | Length Barrel: |
| Deactivation Certificate Number: CG 16132 |