This is an Italian Vetterli M1870/87/15 that was used by Italy in WWI, and by a member of the Spanish Foreign Legion in the Spanish Civil War. The Legion was part of the Spanish Nationalists, who fought for a Fascist Spanish government, and were backed by Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. The Legion's ranks included Spaniards, Moroccans, and other foreigners. This rifle was given as aid to the Nationalists from Italy.
What proves this was a Legion rifle are the words "VIVA LA MUERTE" or "long live death" in the stock. This nonsense phrase was the battle cry of the Legion, coined by the "Butcher of Badajoz," Lt. Col. Juan Yagüe Blanco. The rifle also has what might be an indecipherable name above the battle cry, and other marks likely made while the soldier was bored. Since front-line Legionnaires were kept to stricter standards regarding their equipment, this rifle was probably used in rear-line defensive duty.
Unfortunately I did not acquire the rifle myself (the photos are composite images I created, which I got from Simpson Ltd.'s website; the rifle is gone now). The rifle appears in poor condition, and probably was not refurbished after usage in WWI with the Italian army. The rifle was most likely imported before 1968, when all the SCW rifles were imported through Interarms.
What proves this was a Legion rifle are the words "VIVA LA MUERTE" or "long live death" in the stock. This nonsense phrase was the battle cry of the Legion, coined by the "Butcher of Badajoz," Lt. Col. Juan Yagüe Blanco. The rifle also has what might be an indecipherable name above the battle cry, and other marks likely made while the soldier was bored. Since front-line Legionnaires were kept to stricter standards regarding their equipment, this rifle was probably used in rear-line defensive duty.
Unfortunately I did not acquire the rifle myself (the photos are composite images I created, which I got from Simpson Ltd.'s website; the rifle is gone now). The rifle appears in poor condition, and probably was not refurbished after usage in WWI with the Italian army. The rifle was most likely imported before 1968, when all the SCW rifles were imported through Interarms.