German Capture French Providence Peabody .43 Spanish Rifle, 1870-71 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,330.00
LSB#: LSB251115KN001
Make: Providence Tool Company
Model: Peabody Rifle Spanish Model, French Contract, captured by the Prussians
Serial Number: 91361
Year of Manufacture: 1870-1871
Caliber/Gauge: .43 Spanish
Action Type: Single shot with lever actuated drop block and external hammer
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 adjustable from 100 to 1300 meters
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a metal nosecap, two barrel bands, slot cut for the included clearing rod, straight grip, straight comb and a smooth metal buttplate. There is a sling swivel in the belly and another on the rear band. In addition to standard inspection marks, the left of the stock has “KWH”, the top of the wrist has an anchor, the left rear of the forend has “28”. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some small losses along the edges of the clearing rod slot. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. The plate has mostly worn to white with scattered light oxidation in the face, there is some good color on the tang. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, barrel and receiver are serial-matched.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. There is some muting in the receiver, but there are areas of strong color. The balance is mostly in scattered light oxidation. There are a couple small patches of erosion on the barrel in front of the rear band and under the stock-line on the bottom of the barrel. There is wear at the muzzle consistent with bayonet use. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not shoot this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a leather sling.
Our Assessment: This Providence Tool Company French Contract Peabody, manufactured circa 1870 to 1871, is a remarkable example of a rifle whose history spans continents and conflict. Produced by Providence Tool Company during the Franco Prussian War era, this rifle was ordered by France amid urgent wartime need. In the chaos of the conflict, examples such as this were ultimately captured by Prussian forces, giving the rifle a layered provenance tied directly to one of the defining European wars of the 19th century.
Chambered in .43 Spanish with a 33″ barrel, the Peabody represents the transitional black powder single shot era when metallic cartridges were rapidly replacing percussion arms. The .43 Spanish cartridge saw broad international use and became closely associated with export contract rifles of this period. The bore rates an impressive 8.5 out of 10, and the action functions correctly, reflecting both the strength of the Peabody falling block system and the careful preservation of this example.
Approximately 75% of the original finish remains, an exceptional level of retention for a rifle that witnessed international diversion and wartime capture. Metal surfaces remain strong and well defined, underscoring the quality of Providence Tool Company production during this period. As an Egyptian contract rifle diverted to France and later captured by Prussian forces, this Peabody stands as a tangible artifact of global arms commerce and 19th century European warfare.
-Bud
