This Waffenfabrik Bern ZFK 55 (Zielfernrohr-Karabiner 1955) is the legendary Swiss Army sniper carbine, a purpose-built designated marksman rifle chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss (GP11). Serial number 3616. It comes equipped with its original Kern Aarau 3.5x telescopic sight (scope serial number 3618), original scope canister (number 3616), leather sling, and a complete armourer's maintenance kit (Mg. lu.) — an exceptionally complete set.
This rifle is a distinguished part of the private collection of HRH Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, son of the last King of Italy, Umberto II. An authentic Certificate of Ownership accompanies this piece.
Historical Significance
The ZFK 55 represents the pinnacle of Swiss military precision engineering during the Cold War era. Only approximately 4,150 rifles were manufactured by Waffenfabrik Bern between 1957 and 1959, making it one of the rarest Swiss military rifles in existence. Developed by Adolf Furrer — the same engineer who designed the legendary K31 straight-pull service rifle — the ZFK 55 was built as a dedicated sniper platform, not a modified service rifle.
Its innovative design features an action canted 15 degrees to the right, allowing soldiers to use standard K31 charger clips even with the scope mounted, while also enabling spent casings to eject sideways rather than into the optic. The heavy barrel, integrated muzzle brake/flash suppressor, and spring-loaded folding bipod made it an extremely effective mountain warfare platform — perfectly suited to Switzerland's alpine defensive doctrine.
The ZFK 55 remained in Swiss military service alongside its successors well into the late 20th century, used by designated marksmen and sharp-shooters in Swiss Army infantry units.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Waffenfabrik Bern (W+F Bern), Switzerland
- Model: ZFK 55 (Zielfernrohr-Karabiner 1955)
- Serial Number: 3616 (rifle and scope canister)
- Year: circa 1957–1958
- Caliber: 7.5x55mm Swiss (GP11)
- Action: Straight-pull bolt action (Schmidt-Rubin type, canted 15°)
- Magazine Capacity: 6 rounds (detachable box magazine)
- Barrel Length: 653 mm (25.7")
- Overall Length: 1200 mm (47.2")
- Weight: 5.90 kg (13 lbs) with scope
- Scope: Kern Aarau 3.5x22 (serial number 3618) with QD mount
- Sights: Fixed blade front (adjustable for windage), adjustable rear + scope
- Bipod: Integrated folding spring-loaded bipod
- Muzzle Device: Integrated muzzle brake/flash suppressor
Markings
- Receiver: "Zf.Kar. 3616" — rifle serial number
- Scope: "3618 / KERN AARAU / V=55" — scope serial number and maker
- Swiss federal cross (coat of arms) on receiver
- Scope canister: numbered 3616 (matching rifle)
Note: The scope serial number (3618) does not match the rifle serial number (3616). This is a non-matching scope, which is common in Swiss military service as scopes were sometimes reassigned during armoury maintenance.
Condition
Very good overall condition. Walnut stock in good shape with normal service marks and a shooting club sticker on the butt. Metal finish well preserved. Kern Aarau scope optics clear. Bipod functional. Straight-pull bolt action smooth. Muzzle brake intact. Complete with all original accessories.
What's Included
- 1x W+F Bern ZFK 55 sniper carbine (S/N 3616)
- 1x Kern Aarau 3.5x22 scope with QD mount (S/N 3618)
- 1x Metal scope canister (N° 3616)
- 1x Armourer's maintenance kit / pouch (Zf. Kar. 55 Mg. lu.) including bore gauge 7.51
- 1x Leather sling
- Certificate of Ownership — V.E. de Savoie Collection
