The Peabody carbine was developed by Henry O. Peabody of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1862 and tested in 1864, but the end of the Civil War terminated Ordnance Department interest in the design. An estimated 112,000 Peabody rifles and carbines were manufactured by the Providence Tool Company in Rhode Island before production ended in 1871. They were sold in large numbers to Canada, Switzerland, France, Romania, Mexico, and Spain in various calibers. Connecticut, South Carolina, and Massachusetts also purchased some Peabodys for state units. This example has a block front sight base with small blade and a notch and folding leaf rear sight with a 300 yard peep and 600 yard notch. A staple-mounted saddle ring is mounted at the junction of the left side of the stock and the receiver. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped: "PEABODY'S PAT./JULY 22. 1862/MAN'F'D BY/PROVIDENCE TOOL CO./PROV. R.I." The oval "WC" Providence Tool Co. inspection mark, which was stamped on all Peabody carbines manufactured for foreign contracts, is stamped on the left side of the stock wrist. The carbine has small single block letter sub-inspection marks on most components but no foreign or state property marks. Provenance: Gillespie collection.

Excellent plus overall and nearly as issued. 97% plus of the original blue finish and vibrant case colors remain. There is some slight fading and some minor handling and storage marks. The excellent stock has a few very slight chips at the lock inlet edges and some minor storage marks. The cartouche and other markings are distinct. Mechanically excellent.