Connecticut Militia Providence Peabody .45-70 Gov’t Rifle, MFD 1870 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1402
LSB#: 210805TS07
Make: Providence Tool Company
Model: Peabody Rifle, Connecticut State Militia
Serial Number: 28078
Year of Manufacture: 1870
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single Shot with Lever Actuated Drop Block and External Hammer
Markings: The bottom of the barrel is marked “28078”, the front face of the receiver is marked “28 / 078”. The left-rear of the barrel is marked “EE”, “A”, stylized “P”, and “W”. The left of the receiver is marked “PEABODY’S PAT. / JULY 22, 1862 / MAN’F’D BY / PROVIDENCE TOOL CO. / PROV. R. I.”. There is a plate screwed into the belly marked “CONN / 731”. The top tang of the buttplate is marked “E”, the trigger plate is marked “E”, the lever is marked “S”, the receiver’s bottom plate is marked “E”, the top of the breech block is marked “B”, the hammer is marked “K”, the lockplate is marked “E”, the left sideplate is marked “E” and each barrel band is marked “U”.
Barrel Length: 33″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a rectangular base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder sight with a slider which can be adjusted when folded down or up. When folded down, the slider presents a wide “V”-notch adjustable from 1-4 (hundreds of yards). When folded up, the slider has a fine “U”-notch, the ladder’s adjustment markings are mostly worn with only the right-side markings 5, 7, 9 and 11 visible. The notch is fine-adjustable for windage on the slider assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with nosecap, two barrel bands, slot cut for the included clearing rod, straight grip, straight comb and steel carbine-style buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scrapes and scratches. The wood has darkened with age and oil. There are some scattered small losses around edges, most on the edges of the clearing rod slot and there is one more notable loss on the right edge of the clearing rod slot between the barrel bands. There is wear in front of the bands from removal and installation. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. The plate has mostly gone to a moderate-dark patina with some light surface erosion and wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The bore has strong henry-style rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its metal finish. The exposed surfaces have gone to a light-moderate patina with some scattered surface erosion. Remaining finish is found in fairly strong blue under the forend on the bottom of the barrel. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Patented by Henry Peabody in 1862, the Peabody rifle would see development during the Civil War and was submitted to U.S. trials in 1864, but the war ended before the rifle could see standard military adoption. The Peabody rifles did see foreign contract sales with many chambered for .43 Spanish, sold to Spain, Mexico and France. They also saw adoption by some American militias, including Massachusetts and Connecticut. This example is a Connecticut Militia marked gun, retrofitted from a .43 Spanish chambered order intended for France. The rifles went back to the manufacturer, Providence Tool Company where they were re-barreled with Henry rifling and chambered for .45-70 Government cartridges. This example is in nice shape for its age with matching serial numbers on its barrel and receiver, and good clear inspection and militia markings on the metal. This will make a great addition to a collection of early American cartridge rifles, especially if you focus on State Militia guns or are from The Constitution State. Please see our photos and good luck!