The Swiss Vetterli rifle in America. From soldier to coal miner

Abstract

This article examines the connections between Switzerland and America that led to the development of the Vetterli infantry rifle. Using primary archival research, it shows why the Swiss Army was so keen to dispose of obsolete rifles and examines trade catalogues and other press resources to show how the Vetterli gained a ‘second life’ as a civilian weapon in North America. Finally, it uses recent archaeological evidence to show that the weapon became part of a wider ‘firearms culture’ and saw use in the largest armed revolt in America since the Civil War; the fight that became known as the ‘Battle of Blair Mountain’.