This Swiss Model 1867/77 Peabody Rifle in .41 Swiss (10.4x38mmR Swiss) Rimfire is the carbine version of the Swiss Contract rifles ordered by Switzerland to fill the gap between the 1842/59/67 percussion conversions (Swiss Milbank-Amsler) and the Swiss Vetterli rifle which would become their service rifle in 1868. As there were not enough Vetterli rifles produced the Model 1867 Peabody was contracted to Providence Tool Co of Rhode Island to supplement the Swiss military while production of the Vetterli was ramped up. Approximately 15,000 were produced for Switzerland and many other countries would also adopt the Peabody action. These rifles were mostly intended for rear echelon support personnel.
The Model 1867s were modified in 1875 changing the extractor and again in 1877 when they were re-barreled with Swiss made barrels. The 1867/77 are easily identified by the octagonal knox form at the breech. These models also had their firing pins and breech blocks replaced as well as stocks when needed.
This model 1867/77 is the carbine version. The barrel is 28 ¼ inch long and overall length is approximately 45 ½ inches. This rifle is in very good to fine condition. The finish on the metal is about 50% and shows little to no pitting or staining. The barrel shows wear but no obvious scratches or dings. The muzzle has a couple minor dings. The bore is shiny with solid rifling, 4/5, with only very minor signs of wear and no signs of pitting. The receiver has a few small scratches and dings with wear. The lever/trigger guard shows some minor staining and discoloration. The butt plate shows very minor signs of pitting and has minor wear.
The stock and fore end are very good with a deep rich finish and no cracks or splits. There are a number of small dings and scratches common to surplus rifles of this age. All hardware, sling mounts, screws, etc appears to be present. This rifle includes the cleaning rod which does show some minor staining. All parts appear matching. The rifle functions mechanically as it should (lever, trigger, hammer) but has NOT been test fired.
This is a very nice example of a Swiss Peabody Rifle and unique in its size. While there were other Peabody carbines produced for various countries they usually had the fore end shortened to the rear barrel band. This rifle has the fore end up to the front barrel band. The stock is shorter by approximately two inches from a standard Swiss Peabody as well as the barrel being shorter. It is unknown how many of the 1867/77’s were converted down to this size but they are quite rare.
