{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-springfield-m1863-bridesburg-contract-rifled-musket-converted-to-needham-breechloader-dated-1863","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Springfield M1863 Bridesburg Contract Rifled Musket Converted to Needham Breechloader - dated 1863","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a U.S. Springfield Model 1863 rifled-musket, which was later fitted with a Needham Breech-loading conversion system, in nice original condition. It looks to have been a M1863 Type I, as it has the screw retained bands and three leaf rear sight used on the first type. 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 \u003cem\u003eAlfred Jenks \u0026amp; Son\u003c\/em\u003e, owners and operators of the \u003cem\u003eBridesburg Machine Works\u003c\/em\u003e in Pennsylvania.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Needham-altered, single-shot long arm is one of an unknown small quantity that were modified and retains a nice patinated service used appearance. The barrel has a nice dark peppered patina over most of the surface, with a bit of past pitting in areas. This musket retains its original stock, \"S\"-shaped beveled hammer, straight-shank ramrod, all barrel bands and sling swivels. Mechanics are strong and crisp, with the lock holding correctly at half-cock. The bore still shows strong three groove rifling, though there is oxidation, particularly near the muzzle end of the barrel. The walnut stock is in good condition overall, showing some damage and repairs from years of service. There is a repaired crack at the toe of the butt stock, and also some repaired cracks on the left side of the stock by the lock screws.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock plate is stamped with a faint \u003cstrong\u003e1863\u003c\/strong\u003e stamp 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. \u003cstrong\u003eFederal Eagle\u003c\/strong\u003e proof mark is clearly visible on the lock plate near the hammer, however the original manufacturer marking is quite worn, and requires a magnifier to see. We can definitely make out the first 8 letters of \u003cstrong\u003eBRIDESBU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRG\u003c\/em\u003e, so this is definitely was originally made by the Bridesburg machine works. The \"U\" proofs on the barrel bands, and the \"U.S.\" on the butt plate tang are unfortunately completely worn away. The inside of the hammer is marked with number \u003cstrong\u003e20\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe side action breech opens well, and still has the internal extractor \/ ejector, breech latch, and firing pin. There is however wear on the breech latch button, so the breech does not stay closed unless the hammer is in the forward position. Both sling swivels are still present and mobile, but show significant surface oxidation like the rest of the rifle. Amazingly, even with the oxidation, the rear 3 leaf sight is still functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall this is a nice patinated example of a rare breech loading conversion, with loads of patina!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeedham 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: 1862 - converted c.1869\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .58\"\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 37 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 55 3\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Side Action Conversion\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBridesburg Needham conversions and the Fenian invasions of Canada\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, 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 \u0026amp; Graham. These guns account for the majority of the Needham conversion rifles which occasionally show up for sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42084159782981,"sku":"ONSV24SLN171","price":1895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24SLN171__01.jpg?v=1729275290","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-springfield-m1863-bridesburg-contract-rifled-musket-converted-to-needham-breechloader-dated-1863","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}