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SCARCE Needham Converted CIVIL WAR Rifle-Musket
Guns International #: 101041232 Seller's Inventory #: 10405
Category: Civil War Rifles - Antique Rifles - Cartridge
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1466
Total Number of Listings: 29962
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
SCARCE Needham Converted 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 “1862”, 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 fine. The iron parts have a dark, untouched patina. The markings are still quite clear and legible. The walnut stock is smooth and dark. The bore is sharply rifled and shiny. The action is strong.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction. No other examples found worldwide! Whether you are looking for a scarce conversion or a piece of Irish-American-Canadian-English history, look no further.
Barrel is 36 inches in length.
Caliber: .58 centerfire
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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ancestryguns
$1800
#10405
SOLD
Antique: Yes