These were 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 case colors and 95% original blue finish, with sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The wood is also excellent with attractive original raised grains and rich oil finish, distinct edges, a few light handling marks, and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional example of a Providence Tool Co. Peabody carbine would make a fine addition to any early martial firearms collection!