Turkish M1874 Type-A Peabody Martini-Henry .45 Turkish Falling Block Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: LSB251029CD007
Make: Providence Tool Co.
Model: 1874 Type A
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: 1870s to 1880s / Antique
Caliber: .45 Turkish (11.3x59R)
Action Type: Falling block, Single Shot, Lever break Rifle
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “PEABODY & MARTINI PATENTS / MAN’F’D BY PROVIDENCE TOOL CO. PROV R.I. U.S.A.” There are several small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 33.25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade with protective wings. The rear sight is a v-notch blade when down and a sliding v-notch blade on a ladder when flipped up.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a capped forend, barrel band w/ sling loop, barrel band, sling loops, straight wrist, straight comb, sling loop, and serrated buttplate. There are heavy scratches, chips, and pressure dents throughout. There are small cracks forming throughout. The original black paint has been mostly removed. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates at about Poor to Fair overall condition as an Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion in the bore along with spots of pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10 for Antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. There is heavy thinning, grime, and patina throughout. There is a light layer of surface rust. The action has wear and surface rust inside. The screw heads are moderate to heavily tooled. The pins have light marring. The markings are heavily worn. Overall, this rifle rates in about Poor condition as a refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. There is a safety switch on the receiver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Turkish contract Peabody Martini Type A represents an early and influential chapter in the global transition from muzzleloading arms to self-contained metallic cartridge rifles. Manufactured by Providence Tool Company in Rhode Island for Ottoman service, these rifles were among the earliest large-scale military applications of the Peabody-Martini falling block system. Chambered in .45 Turkish (11.3x59R) black powder, the Type A reflects a period of experimentation and rapid technological change during the 1870s and 1880s, when the Ottoman Empire sought modern Western arms to update its infantry. The long 33.25-inch barrel, robust receiver, and heavy furniture embody the design priorities of the era, emphasizing durability and effective long-range volley fire. Condition is consistent with a hard-used military antique that has seen extended service and long-term storage. Approximately 10 percent of the original metal finish remains, with heavy thinning, grime, patina, and surface rust present throughout. The bore is gray with pronounced rifling, showing moderate erosion and scattered pitting, and rates 6.5 out of 10 by antique standards, a respectable showing for a black powder service rifle of this age. The stock shows significant wear, including heavy scratches, chips, pressure dents, and forming cracks, with earlier black paint having been removed. These traits collectively speak to long service life and utilitarian handling rather than later restoration.
Despite its rough appearance, the rifle remains mechanically functional, an enduring testament to the strength and simplicity of the Peabody-Martini system. Markings are heavily worn but still identifiable, anchoring the rifle firmly within its historical context. As an antique Ottoman contract arm, this rifle is best appreciated as a study piece that illustrates early military adoption of metallic cartridge rifles and the international reach of American arms manufacturing in the late 19th century. Its value lies not in refinement or shootability, but in the authenticity and character earned through decades of service and survival. -R.E.
