Providence Tool Company Breech Loading 2 Band Short Rifle. Single Shot .44-40 Winchester Rifle

**RARE**American Civil War Era Providence Tool Company, Providence, Rhode Island, USA, Peabody’s 1862 Patent (Model 1862 Army) .44-40-50 Peabody Rim Fire Obsolete Calibre Breech Loading 2 Band Short Rifle. Sn 20235 20235

The Peabody action was an early form of breech loading firearm action, where the heavy breechblock tilted downwards across a bolt mounted in the rear of the breechblock, operated by a lever under the rifle. The Peabody action most often used an external hammer to fire the cartridge. The Peabody action was developed by Henry O. Peabody from Boston, Massachusetts, and was first patented on July 22, 1862. Peabody carbines and rifles were made by the Providence Tool Company, Providence, Rhode Island & Sharps & Hankins. Our example by Providence Tool Co is in good condition for its age. The weapon is 41” overall length. By operating the under lever, the breech plates falls to allow loading of a cartridge. The weapon has a 22” long, blued barrel. The barrel’s bore has staining consistent with age & use & crisp rifling. The metal work has even aged patina. It has a block & blade foresight and ladder rear sight. The left side of the frame is crisply stamped with manufacturer and patent detail & the top of the barrel and top of the action frame have small proof marks (illustrated in image 2). There is no visible external serial number on the rifle. The all original wood work has knocks, bumps and bruises to be expected with age and use. The butt plate is steel and it has sling swivels and steel cleaning rod. The loading and firing actions work crisply. The price for this rare short rifle includes UK delivery. NB As an antique obsolete calibre carbine no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 20235

£1200