Guns International #: 101400004
Seller's Inventory #: 190967

Category - Civil War Rifles - Antique Rifles - Cartridge

Category
Civil War Rifles
Antique Rifles - Cartridge

SCARCE Needham Conversion of BRIDESBURG Contract CIVIL WAR Rifle-Musket Like Those Used by Fenian Brotherhood Invasion of Canada

Description:
SCARCE Needham Conversion of BRIDESBURG Contract CIVIL WAR Rifle-Musket

Like Those Used by Fenian Brotherhood Invasion of Canada

Here we present an antique Needham Conversion of a U.S. Civil War Bridesburg Contract Rifle Musket representing a fascinating series of events in world history. Bridesburg Rifle Muskets were purchased as surplus just after the American Civil War by a secret Irish-American society calling themselves the Fenian Brotherhood. The Brotherhood plotted to invade and take over Canada (a British commonwealth) in order to negotiate the independence of Ireland from Britain.

The first attack happened in June 1866 just over the border from Niagara, New York. The attack involved 600 Fenians against a column of Canadian Volunteers, and the attack was successful. However, upon retreat back to the U.S. they were arrested and the guns confiscated. A short time later, the guns were released back to the group via political connections and a second attack was plotted. The Rifle Muskets were quite obsolete by this time, so the Brotherhood updated them using the patent of J&G Needham of England. The work was done in a shop in Trenton, New Jersey to about 5,000 rifles in 1869. This time the invasion was through Vermont in May of 1870 and involved 200 Fenians. This attack failed and resulted in their capture, ending a little-known chapter in world history.

This breech-loading rifle is chambered for the .58 centerfire cartridge, and is Civil War dated on the lock “1864”, along with “BRIDESBURG” and a federal eagle. This one is marked “IN” on the left side of the stock, opposite the lock. According to Graham Burnside, this represents one of the markings that was used by the Fenians to mark their guns. He speculated that it could possibly stand for “Irish Nationalists”. He also states that some, but not all Fenian Needhams were cut mid-stock, presumably to make smaller when disassembled.

The overall condition is Good. The action is as strong as ever. The bore is mostly bright and still retains sharp rifling. The is a chip/crack on the right side just to the rear of the lock. A truly unique piece of history that will surely be a great conversation piece of any collection! 

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 37 inches in length.

Caliber: .58 Centerfire

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$1400

#190967
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes