Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a rare gun. This ignition system was invented in Boston, Mass. by Henry O. Peabody who received a patent in 1862. Production started in 1866 and continued through 1872. Though over 112,000 rifles and carbines were manufactured during that period, over 100,000 were shipped to Government Users outside the United States in several different calibers. This example is in .50 Caliber rimfire, and far fewer Carbines than the long rifles were made. We know Connecticut, Massachusetts and the Carolinas were customers and that many were shipped to France for the Franco Prussian war.

The markings on the left side of the receiver are still fully legible and mostly crisp:-

This gun is in very good condition, especially considering that it is close to 150 years in age. The front of the receiver and barrel under the stock are both stamped with serial number 111602. The wood stocks have the lovely brown red color of aged walnut, though it does have some dents and wear, as expected on an old service rifle. There is however not any major damage, and when checking the serial number, we noted an E.E.H. inspection cartouche in the channel under the barrel, which we have not been able to identify. There is also a "banner" style W.C. cartouches on the left side of the butt stock, which we were also not able to identify, and leave as a great research project for the future owner.

The metalwork has a lovely aged mottled patina, showing some areas of past peppering on the barrel, now cleaned away. This looks like a carbine that was used in service for a good amount of time, and not always properly wiped down after being returned. Proof marks are visible on various metal components of the carbine. The action functions well, and is tight and mechanically sound. The bore is in very good condition, with clear three groove rifling and a partly bright finish. There are some areas of oxidation and fouling, particularly in the grooves. The original saddle ring is still present, and attached securely.

Overall, this is a very nice example of this rare saddle ring carbine, still in the original chambering! Ready to display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1866-71
Caliber: .50 cal
Cartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 20 Inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action type: Falling Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot

History of the Peabody Rifle:

The name Henry O. Peabody ought to be well known by all fans of military firearms- but it isn't. As has been the case with so many inventive geniuses over the ages, Peabody's name and work have been overshadowed by others who took what he designed, changed it, and attached their own monikers to it. As with writers/artists, the lot of the inventor/designer is not always an easy one.

In 1862 Peabody patented a breech-loading rifle but was unable to perfect it in time to play a major role in the American Civil War (1860-1865). His basic design was based upon a pivoting breechblock, the front of which pivoted down on a transverse pin fixed through both the upper rear of the breechblock and the upper rear of the box-like receiver. As the breechblock was lowered, it exposed the barrel chamber and permitted the insertion of a cartridge. The rifle was fired by means of a musket-style outside hammer whose lockwork was inletted into the buttstock behind the receiver.

In operation, the hammer was set on halfcock, and the loading lever/trigger guard was pulled down to expose the chamber so that a cartridge could be slid down the grooved top of the breechblock into the chamber. As the lever was pulled up, an upward extension of the lever pushed the breechblock into battery and acted as a prop to keep it closed. When pulled down, the prop engaged a hooked portion of the block's undersurface and lowered it. As the breechblock was lowered, it activated an extractor that pulled the spent cartridge case from the chamber, throwing it clear of the receiver.

All in all, it was a strong, simple, rugged, and foolproof design eminently suited for military service.

When the American Civil War erupted, the Providence Tool Company obtained a contract to manufacture rifled muskets for the U.S. Army and eventually delivered 60,000 units. During the war, the company purchased Peabody's patents, and while samples of a carbine were submitted to the U.S. Army, no decision was made before the war ended. However, the basic soundness of the design led the company to promote it.

In 1865 the company entered the Peabody rifles and carbines in Army trials, and after extensive tests of durability, accuracy, weather resistance, and serviceability, the board declared the Peabody the winner. Unfortunately, with postwar financial constraints, the Army decided to adopt a rifle and carbine developed at Springfield Arsenal that had the advantage of being produced by modifying the vast number of rifled muskets already on hand.

The company continued to promote the Peabody in the U.S., and while it was unable to interest the U.S. Army, It was able to interest various different foreign governments, which is why they were manufactured in calibers such as .43 Spanish and 10.4mm Swiss Rimfire. However, after France cancelled a large order for these rifles, the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and South Carolina all purchased these Surplus Peabody rifles in .43 Spanish to equip their militias. In 1877 Connecticut returned its rifles to the factory to be refurbished, re-barreled for the standard .45-70 Government cartridge, and fitted with new rear sights. 

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.