The rifles are both chambered in .41 Swiss rimfire and both are receiver marked the same.   The most readily apparent distinction between the original M1867 Swiss Peabody and the Swiss converted M1867/77 Swiss Peabody is the re-barreling with a new Swiss made barrel which has distinctive proofs, acceptance marks and serial numbers on the eight centimeter octagonal knoxform at the breach end of the barrel.  This is seen in the following photo:

In 1875 the rifles were modified by altering the breech block, extractor and firing pin.  These differences are illustrated in the page below from Rudolf Schmidt's Die Handfeuerwaffen, (1875, 1968), table 63.   The newer Swiss model extractor is also shown in the photo below the illustration.

 
 
 

New M1867/77 extractor, to compliment the new replacement barrel,
breech block and firing pin.
 
 

For comparison's sake, above top:  M1868 Roumanian breech block and firing
pin as manufactured by Providence Tool Company.
Above bottom:  The M1867/77 Swiss manufactured breech block and firing pin.
 
 

Focus on firing pins:  above top:  M1868 Roumanian firing pin as manufactured
by Providence Tool Company.
Above bottom:  The M1867/77 Swiss manufactured firing pin.
 
 

Above left:  M1868 Roumanian breech block manufactured by Providence Tool Company.
Above right:  The M1867/77 Swiss manufactured breech block.  Providence Tool
Company did not apply serial numbers to their breech blocks.
 
 

Above top:  M1868 Roumanian forestock.
Above bottom:  The M1867/77 Swiss serialized and cartouched forestock.
 
 
 

Above right:  M1868 Roumanian muzzle crown and front sight as manufactured
by Providence Tool Company.
Above left:  The M1867/77 Swiss manufactured barrel muzzle crown and front
sight
 

Page built January 6, 2001
Revised December 30, 2001