Providence Tool Company 11.3x59R (.45 Turkish) Obsolete Centre Fire Calibre Service Rifle Single Shot None Rifle

**EXTREMELY RARE** C1873 Russo-Turkish War American Peabody Martini Action Turkish Government Contract 11.3x59R (.45 Turkish) Obsolete Centre Fire Calibre Service Rifle. Sn 20023 - 20023

The Peabody & Peabody Martini variations were the development of Henry O. Peabody of Boston, Massachusetts. Commencing in 1873 the Turkish Government bought from the United States 600,000 Peabody Martini action Rifles and bayonets manufactured by the Providence Tool Company & the weapons saw service in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. On instruction from the Turkish Government who wanted the finest weapons to arm Ottoman Empire Forces, the weapons were identical to the Martini Henry action service rifles, apart from features such as Calibre size, butt plate design, sling swivel sizes and markings/ inspection marks. This is one of the Peabody Martini rifles purchased by the Turkish Government. The rifle in 11.3x59R calibre known in the USA as .45 Turkish calibre measures 49” overall with a 33” rifled barrel. The bore has light staining consistent with age and service use & crisp rifling. The rifle is fitted with sling swivels, block and blade fore sight, graduated ladder rear sight & correct chequered steel butt plate. The metalwork and woodwork are all original. The wood has light bumps and bruises to be expected with age and service use. The weapon retains its original cleaning rod. The right side of the action has serial number in Turkish script and Crest, the left side of the action is crisply marked with the ‘Peabody Martini Patent’ & USA address (all illustrated). The cocking and firing actions work crisply. The price for this extremely rare rifle includes UK delivery. NB As an antique obsolete calibre rifle no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 20023

£1,875.00