Peabody Peabody M1861 Single Shot Obsolete Rifle

The Swiss M1867 Peabody was manufactured by Providence Tool Company in Providence, Rhode Island, and adopted by Switzerland in 1867 during the nation's transition from muzzle loaders to modern breech-loading rifles. Switzerland ordered approximately 15,000 of these rifles to supplement their existing muskets during conversion to the newer Milbank-Amsler system.

The Peabody action features a heavy breech block that tilts downward, operated by a lever under the rifle. Most Peabody actions used an external hammer to fire the cartridge. These rifles featured 33-inch barrels with casehardened receivers, blued barrels, and walnut stocks.

This example is chambered for the .41 Swiss rimfire cartridge (10.4×38mmR), adopted by Swiss military in 1867. As one of the few rimfire cartridges to see military service, it fired a 313-grain bullet at 1,400 fps. This same cartridge was later used in the Swiss Vetterli repeating rifles.

The rifle shows typical service wear with a chip out of the walnut stock, though the bore remains in excellent condition. Swiss examples carry Providence Tool Company markings on the receiver along with Swiss proof and acceptance marks. These rifles served as interim weapons while Switzerland awaited adoption of the Vetterli magazine rifle.

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