Make: Providence Tool Company

Model: Peabody Rifle

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: Ca, 1870

Caliber: .50-70 (Please cast chamber to confirm.)

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.”. There are various small proofs throughout. The barrel is marked, with a “W” proof. The stock is marked “CM” (Canadian Militia.) The wrist has a faded inspector's mark.

Barrel Length: 36″ Musket

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barelycorn blade with a rectangular base fixed to the front of the barrel with a protective hood. 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 from 1-13.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a metal nosecap, three barrel bands in the musket configuration, slot cut for the included clearing rod, straight grip, straight comb and steel semi-cresent buttplate. The stock has scattered nicks, dings, scrapes and scratches. There are very small scattered chips throughout. There are no cracks. 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 Excellent condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is very 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 10/10 for an Antique.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The exposed surfaces have gone to a light-moderate patina with some scattered surface erosion. The barrel has a patch of cold blue that has gone to a patina, but otherwise the rest of the color is original. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The screw heads are sharp with useable slots. Many screws retain their fire blue color. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent 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: The Peabody rifle, developed by Henry O. Peabody and produced by the Providence Tool Company, represents one of the earliest successful American falling block military rifles. Originally developed during the Civil War, it did not see widespread U.S. service during that conflict, but its simplicity, strength, and reliability made it a popular export and postwar military contract rifle. This example is a Canadian-contract Peabody chambered in .50-70 Government, a black powder cartridge that saw military service in the United States shortly after the war. With a 36-inch musket-length barrel, bayonet lug, and full-length stock in the classic three-band infantry configuration, this rifle embodies the transitional period between percussion muskets and self-contained cartridge firearms. What makes this rifle especially desirable is the clear “CM” cartouche, indicating service with the Canadian Militia—a rare and collectible variant. These Peabody rifles were delivered to Canada in the late 1860s and early 1870s, equipping militia units during a time of national formation and border defense concerns. This example retains approximately 50% of its original metal finish with beautiful, untouched blue and hints of original fire blue on several screws. The bore is exceptionally bright for a black powder military rifle, with deep Henry-style rifling and only minor scattered erosion, rating a full 10/10 by antique standards. The stocks remain sound with only minor handling marks and no cracks, unusual for a rifle of this age.

This Canadian Peabody stands as a true piece of North American martial history, bridging the gap between the muzzleloading age and modern cartridge arms. With its well-preserved bore, original configuration, and Canadian Militia markings, it offers outstanding value for collectors of 19th-century military rifles, Peabody enthusiasts, or anyone interested in early cartridge developments. Whether displayed for its historical significance or carefully preserved for investment, this rifle is a rare and desirable survivor from the post-Civil War and Confederation era.