The Peabody carbine was manufactured by the Providence Tool Co. of Providence, Rhode Island c. 1866-1871. The Peabody carbine was developed and tested in 1864, but the end of the Civil War terminated Ordnance Department interest in it. Large numbers of Peabody rifles and carbines were sold to Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Romania, Spain, and France for use in the Franco-Prussian War. Post-war sales of Peabody rifles and carbines in the United States were limited to three state contracts. South Carolina purchased 350 .50 caliber Peabody carbines originally manufactured for a French contract. The carbine has a military blue barrel with block front sight and two-leaf folding rear sight. The barrel band, receiver, breech block, hammer, side plate, lever and buttplate are color casehardened. A staple-mounted carbine sling ring is mounted at the junction of the left side of the stock and the receiver. The stock and forearm are oil-finished black walnut. The left of the receiver is roll-stamped "PEABODY'S PAT./JULY 22. 1862/MAN'F'D BY/PROVIDENCE TOOL CO./PROV. R.I." in five lines. Small single block letter sub-inspection marks on most components. An oval "WC" Providence Tool Co. inspection mark, which was stamped on all Peabody carbines manufactured for foreign contracts, is stamped on the left of the stock wrist.

Excellent, retains 97% vivid original casehardened and blue finishes with sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is very fine with attractive original raised grain and rich oil finish, large mild cracks visible on both sides of the buttstock (stock still retains rigidity), a minor small chip behind the lock, a few light handling marks, distinct edges and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This outstanding Providence Tool Co. Peabody carbine would be difficult to improve upon, and would make a fine addition to any U.S. martial collection!