Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Peabody saddle ring carbine chambered in .50 caliber rimfire and manufactured by Providence Tool Co. of Providence, Rhode Island under Henry O. Peabody’s 1862 patent. Serial numbered 111413 on both the barrel and receiver beneath the fore stock, it remains in very good service used condition with its original saddle ring, functional falling block action, and strong three groove rifled bore.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Henry O. Peabody of Boston patented his breechloading action in 1862, and Providence Tool Co. began manufacturing Peabody rifles and carbines after the Civil War. The design used a pivoting falling breechblock operated by the large underlever, providing a strong and relatively simple metallic cartridge action. Peabody arms were produced in several configurations and calibers for both domestic and foreign contracts during the late 1860s and early 1870s.

This example is a saddle ring carbine in its .50 caliber rimfire configuration. The left side of the receiver retains the factory marking, somewhat softened from age and use but still legible with magnification:

PEABODY'S PAT.
JULY 22. 1862
MAN'F'D BY
PROVIDENCE TOOL CO.
PROV. R. I.

The front of the receiver and the underside of the barrel beneath the fore stock are both stamped:

111413

giving the carbine matching observed serial numbers in those locations. Individual letter inspection or assembly marks are also visible on several metal components.

The metalwork has developed an attractive mottled aged patina. Areas of old peppering are visible on the barrel, much of which appears to have been cleaned in the past. The overall appearance is consistent with extended service and handling rather than a lightly used arm.

The Peabody falling block action operates and remains tight. The operating lever is, however, extremely stiff because the spring retaining the breech closed tends to bind against the crossbar. This mechanical observation describes the carbine’s present condition only and should not be interpreted as an assessment of firing safety.

The bore is in very good condition, retaining clearly defined three groove rifling and areas of bright surface. Oxidation and accumulated fouling are present, particularly within the grooves, but the rifling remains strong and readily visible.

The original saddle ring remains present and securely attached.

The walnut stock and fore stock have developed the red brown color associated with aged and oiled walnut. Both show numerous dents, handling marks, and general service wear. The grain remains attractive, though the wood clearly saw substantial use. The principal structural issue is an approximately 5" crack along the right side of the fore stock extending forward from the receiver.

Overall condition is very good for a service used Peabody carbine. The receiver markings remain legible, the observed serial numbers match, the saddle ring is present, and the action and rifling remain substantially intact. The stiff operating lever, old cleaned peppering, bore oxidation and fouling, general stock wear, and approximately 5" fore stock crack are all fully disclosed.

With its original .50 rimfire chambering, matching observed serial number 111413, Providence Tool Co. receiver marking, surviving saddle ring, and strong three groove bore, this is a solid example of the Peabody military carbine system. It would fit especially well in a Peabody, Providence Tool Co., early metallic cartridge, state militia, or post-Civil War U.S. military arms collection.

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1866-71
Maker: Provide Tool Co.
Model: Peabody Saddle Ring Carbine
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
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.