Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here is a very interesting Peabody Patent converted breech loading rifle, which began life as a muzzle-loading 3rd Model Pattern 1856 Enfield Short Rifle Musket. It was originally produced in England with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. It still has the correct two steel barrel bands held on with screw pressure, typical of the 3rd model. The screws are not recessed, as they would be on the "Baddeley" type bands used on the later 4th model.
The lock is marked 1862 / TOWER below the cap bolster, and it is marked with a QUEEN'S CROWN to the rear of the hammer. However, there is no "V.R." under the crown. This indicates that this weapon was not intended for a British Military contract but was aimed at the Overseas market, most specifically the United States, who were embroiled in its most terrible Civil War. As an Export Market destined weapon it should have the right hand side of the butt stamped with a roundel stating "BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS TRADE", however this and other markings are now GONE due to wear.
As the war progressed and ended, it was hoped that using the PEABODY PATENT the Federal Government might opt to convert the thousands of British P-1853 .577 Caliber Enfield Percussion Rifles to breech loading. However, this was NOT to be, and eventually the SNIDER Conversion was universally adopted. The result is that is is a very rare example of a system that was never adopted and consequently very hard to find.
It was converted using a Peabody Patent breech system manufactured by Providence Tool Co. It is not clear whether they performed the conversion, or whether it was done using parts they supplied. The left side of the receiver still bears the original markings:
PEABODY'S PAT. JULY 22.1862
MAN'F'D BY PROVIDENCE TOOL CO.
PROV. R.I.
The breech system still functions correctly, with an intact ejector at the bottom. It is a falling block system, similar to several other types of conversions, and the later single shot Peabody Rifles would utilize a similar loading system. We did check, and the end of the firing pin has broken off, though the mechanism is still functional. The lock is fully functional, and holds at half cock, firing at full. The bore still shows clear 3 groove rifling, with some wear to the lands. There is also the expected oxidation and fouling from use, particularly noticeable in the grooves. The metalwork overall show an oxidized steel patina, faded from what looks to have been bright steel at one point.
The stock unfortunately has suffered woodworm damage, particularly on the left side of the butt stock, but also somewhat present on the right. It is now stabilized and had the infestation sterilized long ago. The stock shows the expected wear from use, but no major structural cracks. It still has a cleaning / ramrod under the barrel, which is held in place by friction only, as the conversion process removes the wood from under the breech block. If pushed in too far it can interfere with the breech opening.
A very RARE converted rifle to come by in ANY condition, this is the first of these that we have managed to find. Ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: 1862 - converted later
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 inches
Overall Length: 49 1/2 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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