These rifles were manufactured starting around 1875 and into the 1880s. Less than 1,000 Peabody-Martini sporting rifles were manufactured in total by the Providence Tool Co. including examples in at least six different basic configurations, making each of the individual configurations even more scarce. This example is in the desirable long range, "What Cheer" Creedmoor configuration. "What cheer" is the motto of Providence and was essentially a 17th century equivalent of "what's up." It is significant to the region's history based on Roger Williams reportedly being greeted by a group of Narragansett with the phrase "what cheer netop (friend)" upon arriving on Rhode Island. The top of the barrel is hand engraved with the one-line Providence Tool Co. address as well as the caliber marking, "40 CAL./90 GRS.", at the breech. The left of the receiver is engraved with the "What Cheer" greeting, while the right has "Peabody & Martini Patents", and there is light scrollwork and borders on both sides. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver under the lever. The bottom of the barrel and rear face of the forearm are numbered "115". "N.J. WOLCOTT" is marked on the cocking indicator. It is fitted with a globe windgauge front sight, no rear sight dovetail, a Vernier long range peep sight on the upper tang, and an additional peep sight base at the rear of the comb. It is mounted with a checkered Schnabel tip forearm with a steel cap and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Fine, retains 70% plus of the original blue finish and 20% of the original case colors, more vibrant in sheltered areas, with the balance mostly a grey patina and a few scattered patches of light freckling/pitting. The wood is also fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.