SOLD - Peabody Rifle - Connecticut State Militia

Description

1/28/22 - This is a nice example of a rarely-seen Providence Tool Co "Peabody" Rifle, made in the 1860's. Connecticut bought 2,000 .43 Spanish caliber Peabody rifles from the Providence Tool Company in 1871-72. In 1877, they were returned to Providence Tool Company for refurbishment and replace barrel with .45-70 caliber. They continued in use until 1896. This particular gun was issued to the Connecticut State militia and has an appropriate "Conn 976" marking on a plate on the underside of the butt stock. The barrel has "35", "EE", and "Script P" markings. There is a "35" marking on the stock just behind the receiver, which we assume to be a rack number. The gun has lost virtually of its original finish, and there spotty oxidation on all of the metal parts. The wood stock has dings, dents, and bruises throughout. There are a few more noticeable gouges on the underside near the muzzle. The gun comes with a period-correct cleaning rod. The bore is nice and has good rifling.