Connecticut State Militia Peabody Rifle .45-70 33” Falling Block, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: WY241106JS001
Make: Providence Tool Company
Model: Peabody Rifle, Connecticut State Militia
Serial Number: 1854
Year of Manufacture: Ca, 1870
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single Shot with Lever Actuated Drop Block and External Hammer
Markings: The left of the receiver is marked “PEABODY’S PAT. / JULY 22, 1862 / MAN’F’D BY / PROVIDENCE TOOL CO. / PROV. R. I.”. The plate on the belly of the stock is marked, “CONN 1854”. There are various small U.S. proofs throughout. The barrel is marked, “G.F.G.” with proofs. The wrist is marked, “29”. The stock is marked with what appears to be, “CHL” and “WB”
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 a metal 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 small chips throughout, along with a large crack at the buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/2? from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. The plate has 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 and small pitting marks in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 8/10 for an Antique.
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. Many screws retain their fire blue color. 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, 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! -R.E.
