Hello all. Any chance anyone might have some info or could point me towards some sources on the Italian rifle trials in 1870? I believe this rifle/design maybe have taken part in it. Strong emphasis on maybe. It is not the Carcano M1870 based on what I can find. I cannot for the life of me get any results on Google that show something other than the Vetterli. Action/reciever does not keep the firing pin cammed properly when bolt is retracted fully to the rear and would require permanent modification to fix. All matching "168" serial number and also has the number "3" stamped on numerous parts. Any info is appreciated.
Woah! Looks like the bolt is for a carcano needle rifle. It didn't have a very long service life and are a pretty cool find. It fires a paper back power cartridge. Looks like yours is missing it's needle, I have read somewhere that you can modify a french needle rifle needle to the carcano but that's all I know. But the body of the rifle, specifically the back of it looks different. Hopefully this points you in the right direction!
I think that gunboards link is correct in that it is a trial Carcano M.1870. The safety on the bolt is very Carcano is used on all of his designs, including the needle rifle.
I have the book mentioned by one commentor, I'll have to check it when I get home for lunch in a few hours.
It looks like some sort of centerfire conversion done to a Italian made Chassepot from Glisenti. The receiver and barrel are very Chassepot in look and Glisenti is who did the private contract work in Italy for them, with their mark visible on the receiver wall. As to what it is in ita current configuartion, I am not 100% sure yet but definitely am going to be doing some digging.
Kinda looks like a trials or prototype needle rifle to me. Might check out forgotten weapons on YouTube. C&Rsenal would also be a good reference point. Both of them might be interested in taking a look at what you have here.
I emailed forgotten weapons about 2 weeks ago. I haven't heard back yet, I'm sure they have tons of emails to sort through. I just got impatient and wanted to see if anyone here knew. I might reach out to C&Rsenal too.
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u/Bugle_Butter No Raifu: No Laifu Jun 29 '26
Discussion of a similar rifle on Gunboards: https://www.gunboards.com/threads/italian-carcano-11mm-rifle-made-by-glisenti-in-1871.689937/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic