Make: Providence Tool Company
Model: Peabody Rifle Spanish Model, French Contract, captured by the Prussians
Serial Number: 95230
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. There is a small cartouche stamped on the left of the wrist. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some small losses at edges. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. The plate has mostly muted with scattered light oxidation in the face and erosion on the tang. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-plus 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 7-8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. There is a little muting in the receiver, but most areas show strong color. The balance is mostly in scattered wear along the barrel, more notable at the muzzle, consistent with bayonet use. There is some scattered minor surface erosion and worn areas are going to a light patina. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked 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: None.
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 7-8 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 65% 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 a Spanish 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. Please see our photos and good luck!
