This is a Model 1861 Bridesburg Contract rifle-musket with a Needham conversion system in good original condition. Before its alteration from percussion to a .58 caliber breechloading centerfire system in 1869, this longarm 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 longarm is one of an unknown quantity that were modified and retains a pleasing appearance. Piece appears to have been cleaned. Barrel exhibits light pinprick rusting over its surface and wears a mottled light gray patina. In complete condition, this musket retains its original stock, “S”-shaped beveled hammer, straight-shank ramrod, all barrel bands, no band springs, and swivel hooks. Mechanics are strong and crisp. Bore is bright with light dirt and good rifling. Frame screws show light to moderate wear. Black walnut stock is in excellent condition overall with just normal dings and nicks from use and storage. There are no inspector’s cartouches visible. A brass shield shaped escutcheon with the engraved number “22” is attached to the stock at rear of the barrel tang.

Face of the lockplate stamped with a clear “BRIDESBURG’ over “1861” forward of the modified hammer. Lower 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. Plate has a horizontal surface scratch behind the hammer. Original tulip-head, steel ramrod. Buttplate and triggerguard is heavily pitted.

The Needham conversion longarms have an interesting history involving an Irish-American secret society called the Fenian Brotherhood. Immediately after the Civil War the Brotherhood plotted to invade Canada to pressure England to grant independence to Ireland. They were defeated twice, once in 1866 and again in 1870.

A characteristic of the weapons used by the Fenian Brotherhood is a “V” shaped notch cut in the stock under the middle band and this weapon has that cut. It was presumably done to make the weapon more compact for concealment.  [ad]

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