I also received this letter...

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Am also interested in Peabody and Peabody-Martini rifles.  The most definitive work on military Peabodys that I'm aware is a monograph by Edward A. Hull called Providence Tool Co. Military Arms.  Mr. Hull has done a fine job of researching the arms produced by the Providence Tool Company of Providence, RI.  He describes each of the known Peabody models, including the Canadian, Swiss, Roumanian, and Spanish models.  Although these guns were sold to states, countries, and governments other than those named, there are little differences in them that make them "models."

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The principal characteristics Canadian model rifle, or musket, were as follows:  50-60 rimfire caliber, overall length of 54-3/4 in., barrel length of 36 in., forestock of 32-1/8 in. retained with three barrel bands, buttstock of 15-3/4 in., blued barrel, and casehardened receiver and furniture.  The letters CM were stamped on the right side of the buttstock and the inspector cartouche DWB in and oval on the left wrist of the stock.  The left side of the receiver was marked PEABODY'S PAT./JULY.22.1862 and the right side was marked MAN'F'D BY PROVIDENCE TOOL CO./PROV. R.I.  Canada had contracted the Providence Tool Co. for 5000 of these arms, but only 3000 were delivered.  As the first Peabodys produced, these guns were numbered between 0 and 5500.  It seems that the Canadian militia was buying the Peabodys to guard against a possible invasion from the U.S., but they didn't pick up the option for the remaining 2000 and instead purchased Sniders from England.

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From this information, it would appear that actually only the first 3000 guns made could actually be termed Canadian in the sense that they were actually shipped to Canada.  The remaining Canadian model guns were sold off to other customers, either governments or private parties.  Some were converted to sporting rifles and some were later converted to centerfire rifles.

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I own a Canadian model Peabody action and close to 2/3 of a barrel.  That is, the barrel has had about 13 inches lopped off of it and the Peabody forestock has been replaced with a shortened up Peabody-Martini forestock that's had its ramrod hole and frame extension plate neatly filled in with walnut patches.  The stock and lockwork are from an old Enfield rifle of some sort that have been modified to fit the rear of the Peabody frame.  I know that it's a Canadian model because it's serial numbered 18xx on both the front of the frame and the barrel and because it has the Peabody designation on the left side of the frame and the Providence Tool Co. marking on the right side, which only occurs on the Canadian model.

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Actually, I'd like to restore at least the back half of this rifle to all Peabody.  If you are aware of any spare Peabody parts or any parts guns that are reasonably priced, I like some info on them.

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Hope that this sheds a little light on Canadian Peabodys for you.  If you have any questions, drop me an e-mail.  I have an e-mail address where I work also, and can be reached there as well.  nicwhe@fsi-intl.com

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YT,
nixxunit