Franco-Prussian War Antique Peabody Rifle .43 Spanish
Guns International #: 100549516 Seller's Inventory #: 28215
Category: Antique Rifles - Cartridge - Military Rifles - Non-US
Seller's Information
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Seller: Joe Salter com
Company: Down East Antiques - Joe Salter
Member Since: 9/10/10
First Name: Garrick-March-Jim-Joe
Last Name: Salter
State: New Hampshire
Zip: 03031
Country: United States
Phone: (603) 732-4000
Fax: (603) 732-4200
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1202
Total Number of Listings: 20199
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
FREE SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $500! We also have a 30 day Inspection Period and NOT a 3 day Inspection.
Payment Types Accepted: We take all major credit cards with NO CREDIT CARD FEES! Also Check or Money order.
About Us: Joe Salter has been in the Antique and Collector Weapons business for 60 years as both a collector and dealer. Our company is based in Southern New Hampshire and we have had an internet based store front for the past 20 years. We are federally licensed and deal in all types of firearms and related material. We offer free Shipping for orders over $500.
Description:
NSN, .43 Spanish, 33" barrel with a fine, bright bore that has a few traces of freckling within the grooves. This is one of the rifles contracted by the French for use in the Franco-Prussian War and was subsequently captured by the Prussians after their victory. The barrel has about 70-75% of the original blue remaining with some mild silvering at the muzzle and a darker plum-brown patina starting to form along the balance. The frame has about 60-70% of the original vivid color case-hardening remaining with the balance having a mottled pewter gray patina that carries over onto the lever. The hammer and lockplate have a brighter gray patina with some mild freckling just starting to form. The breech of the barrel and top of the receiver have the "(crown)/V" Vorrat inspection stamp applied to obsolete or captured guns in military and commercial inventories that had not undergone full German proofing (1891 Proof Laws). The walnut buttstock and forend are in fine condition with only scattered minor handling marks and small blemishes in the armory re-applied oil finish. Additionally, there is a large, but stable, diagonal crack on the left side of the forend that crosses the rear barrel band. The original Peabody inspector cartouche is still quite clear on the left side of the wrist and an original metal ramrod is included that has had the tip trimmed off. The action is tight and functions flawlessly. About 33,000 of these rifles were contracted for but only a fraction ever made it to France before the cessation of hostilities put an end to the order. Because the French did not formally stamp any of the guns they purchased abroad, those arms that were subsequently stamped by the Germans later on, like this one, are the only examples of which we can be certain were used in the war. This is a fine Peabody military rifle and an interesting, seldom-recognized historical memento of the Franco-Prussian War. {Refs. "The Standard Directory of Proof Marks", by Gerhard Wirnsberger} Antique
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Peabody
Model: Military
Caliber Info: .43 Spanish
Gauge Info: .43 Spanish