Original Item: Only One Available. This is a U.S. Springfield Model 1861 rifled-musket, which was later fitted with a Needham Breech-loading conversion system, in nice original condition. It still has the spring retained bands used by the M1861, as well as the correct three leaf rear sight. This type of alternation was designed by two brothers, Joseph and George Henry Needham of London, England. Before its alteration from cap and ball to a .58 caliber breech-loading centerfire system in 1869, this long arm was a product of the Philadelphia firm of Alfred Jenks & Son, owners and operators of the Bridesburg Machine Works in Pennsylvania.

This Needham-altered, single-shot long arm is one of an unknown small quantity that were modified and still is in very good shape, with bright polished metalwork and a lovely dark red brown aged American Black Walnut stock. It looks to have been carefully maintained and cleaned over its many long years of life, and is ready to go right on the wall and display.

The lock plate is clearly stamped with a 1862 date behind the modified hammer. The upper right area of the plate in front of the hammer was cut to accommodate the unique Needham swing-out door for the side-loading breech. The U.S. Federal Eagle proof mark is clearly visible on the lock plate near the hammer, and there is a partial U.S. over a clear complete BRIDESBURG on the lock under the breech. All barrel bands bear their correct U proofs, and there is a clear U S stamp on the tang of the butt plate. The inside of the hammer is marked with number 519.

This musket retains its original stock, "S"-shaped beveled hammer, shortened ramrod, all barrel bands and sling swivels. The walnut stock is in very good condition overall, having been finished varnished long ago, which helps the dark red brown color really pop. There are some scratches and dents, as expected from a rifle that saw long use in service. There is some cracking on the left side by the lock screws, a very common place to see this, especially with the amount of wood removed to make room for the breech assembly. We can also see some stress cracks along the grain on the right side by the barrel tang. Both sling swivels still move easily, as does the three leaf rear sight.

The rifle's mechanics are strong and crisp, with the lock holding correctly at half-cock, firing at full. The side action breech opens well, and still has the internal extractor / ejector, breech latch, and firing pin, which all appear to be functional, though we have no way to test them. We checked the bore, and it is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just the tiniest bit wear, and we expect that this saw very little use either during the Civil war or after conversion.

Overall a great example of an interesting stepping stone in breech loading firearms, ready to research and display!

Needham conversion long arms were involved with an interesting history involving an Irish-American secret society. Immediately after the Civil War, the Fenian Brotherhood plotted to invade Canada to pressure England to grant independence to Ireland.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1862 - converted c.1869
Caliber: .58"
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 37 inches
Overall Length: 55 3/4 inches
Action: Side Action Conversion
Feed System: Single Shot

Bridesburg Needham conversions and the Fenian invasions of Canada
The Fenians were an Irish-American group who wanted to put pressure on Great Britain to free Ireland. They conspired to mount an invasion of Canada and occupy some territory in order to force concessions. The Fenians purchased surplus Bridesburg rifle-muskets and sent 600 armed men across the Canadian border from New York in June 1866. The small force briefly captured Fort Erie, but was readily overcome, and the men were sent back to the U.S. Surprisingly, the Fenians were sufficiently well connected politically that they were able to recover their guns along with their freedom to try again.

However, by the time the Fenians were considering a second foray across the border in 1867, the British troops in Canada were equipped with Snider conversions of the P1853 Enfield rifle, and the Fenians knew they would be seriously outmatched with their original muzzle-loading Bridesburg muskets. Reportedly, supporters of the Fenians rented space in a Trenton, New Jersey shop, where hired English gunsmiths performed the Needham conversions on about 5,000 rifle-muskets. The Fenians launched a second invasion in May of 1870 across the Vermont border. The Canadians were forewarned and the Fenians soundly defeated. This time, the guns used in the attack were confiscated by the U.S. Army, along with additional guns that had been stored in Trenton. The army subsequently auctioned off the guns, a large number of which were purchased by the surplus dealer Schuyler, Hartley & Graham. These guns account for the majority of the Needham conversion rifles which occasionally show up for sale.

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