Dutch Beaumont-Vitali

[Keith L]

I was at a garage sale this morning and when my son bought some furnature that was in the rec room I mentioned to the home owner that he had an interesting gun over the mantle.  He took it down and gave it to me.  He is moving to Florida and didn't want to take it along.

Looking on the internet I was able to find out that it is a Dutch Beaumont-Vitali.  Anyone know much about these?  There is some info on the web but I haven't found out what it shot and who used it.  This model is from 1884 by the marks on the barrel.

I would appreciate anything you can share.  This one was "sporterized" when the end for the forestock was crudely sawed off, but all seems to work.  I don't have plans to shoot it, but would be interested in what it shot.

Thanks!

[Jack Crevalle]

In Standard Catalog of Military Firearms there is an 1871 Beaumont/Vitali rifle and carbine that is described as a single shot bolt action black powder rifle chambered for the 11.3X51R cartridge.

There is also an 1871/88 model that is described as "a conversion to the Vitali magazine"(?)

The book states that the 71/88 model was used by the Dutch army as late as WWII.

How lucky did the soldier who got issued that feel when he saw the Germans marching down the road I wonder.

[Keith L]

This is one of the converted ones.  It has a rather strange looking box magazine sticking in the normal position.

I am assuming this was a black powder rife with a bore that looks like somewhere around 45-50 cal.  

Thanks for the information!

[John Traveler1]

Check out www.militaryrifles.com for additional info on that Dutch service rifle!

John

[Keith L]

What an outstanding site!  Thanks.

[Shorty]

Keith L,
Did Franklin really say that?  I MUST show that to the wife!  :wink:

[Keith L]

I saw it on a T shirt, and didn't believe the quote.  I found it in many places on the internet and the internet is never wrong <VBG>.  

Even though I no longer drink any alcohol I like the sentiment, so therefore...