This Swiss Model 1867 Peabody Rifle in .41 Swiss (10.4x38mmR Swiss) Rimfire is one 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.
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 was never re-barreled like the 1867/77s but it does have the “U” mark under the rear sight indicating it was modified with the Swiss breechblock, firing pin, and extractor. The barrel is 32 ¾ inch long and overall length is approximately 51 ½ inches. This rifle includes a sling and bayonet. The numbers on this appear all matching on stock, fore-end, barrel, and bayonet.
This rifle is in very good condition. The finish on the metal ranges from 10 to 50% and shows little to no pitting or staining. The barrel shows wear but no obvious scratches or dings. Barrel finish is mostly patina with most finish loss at muzzle. The bore is good with solid rifling but wear is evident and there are minor spots of pitting throughout. Overall the bore is very clean with little fouling present.
The receiver has finish loss and minor wear. The lever/trigger guard shows some minor staining and discoloration and finish loss. The butt plate shows very minor signs of pitting, rust staining, and finish loss.
The stock and fore-end are very good with a deep rich finish and no cracks or splits. There is some minor blackening at the right side butt stock near the side plate. 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 moderate rust staining. All parts appear matching. The rifle functions mechanically as it should (lever, trigger, hammer) but has NOT been test fired by us.
This rifle includes a sling and bayonet. The sling is old leather and deteriorating. There are a number of small tears and much flaking dried out leather. The bayonet is very good with solid finish. Most finish loss is at the lug. There is some minor rust spotting/pitting present. Bayonet is matching to the rifle.
This is a very nice example of a Swiss Contract Peabody Rifle Model 1867. All numbers appear matching to rifle and bayonet.
