Lot 112

Experimental Prototype U.S. Army Trials Peabody-Wessely Rifle

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Experimental Prototype U.S. Army Trials Peabody-Wessely Rifle

Estimate: $3,500 - $5,500

Starting Bid: $3,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare Well-Documented Experimental Prototype U.S. Army Trials Providence Tool Co. Peabody-Wessely Single Shot Rifle Offered here is one of only a few known experimental prototype Peabody-Wessely rifles manufactured c. 1868-1870 by the Providence Tool Co. of Providence, Rhode Island. The Providence Tool Co. submitted two examples of Peabody-Wessely rifles for trials to the U.S. Army Ordnance Board convened in St. Louis in 1870, and the company also published a brochure for edification of the board members stating it was "chambered for the Russian central fire Berdan cartridge." This exact rifle is pictured on page 110 of "Peabody Firearms" by Edward Hull, along with two other similar examples pictured and related information on pages 105-111. Some of the internal workings of this rifle are illustrated in U.S. patent number 92,673 dated July 13, 1869 and granted to Zdenko Ritter von Wessely (incorrectly spelled Zdeuko in the patent) listed as a civil engineer residing in New York City and assignor to Providence Tool Co. The rifle features a tipping breech block with an internal hammer, spring-loaded lever catch, a trigger block safety mechanism (the latter two features are not mentioned in the patent), the right muzzle end of the barrel has a lug made to accept mounting of the Russian Berdan I rifle pattern socket bayonet, a blade front sight and ladder rear sight. The serial number "3" is marked on the concealed front surface of the frame and the interior of the bottom frame plate, a "7" is on the left breech area of the barrel, a "C" is on the bottom of the barrel, and an "S" is on the top of the buttplate.

Manufacturer: Providence Tool Company

Model: Peabody

BBL: 30 1/8 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 42 Russian Berdan

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number3

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% plus original blue finish, 75% plus original case colors, absent front sling swivel, and a few patches of oxidation. The wood is fine, with an absent section on top of the wrist at the frame juncture, some dings and chips, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. A rare example of an experimental prototype Peabody-Wessely rifle!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000