December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2024
This .58 Center Fire (actually chambered for .577 Snider) rifle was converted from a Bridesburg rifle-musket into a breechloader in 1869-70, after it most likely had seen service during the First Fenian Raid of 1866. An 1862 dated M1861 Bridesburg, this rifle not only has the telltale hallmark of a Fenian rifle (an “IN” stamped in its stock, opposite the lock, and signifying part of the second batch of Bridesburgs received from Jenks & Co in 1866), but its fore stock has been cut in a “V” and pegged, under the middle barrel band. As is the case with many of the Fenian Needham conversions, this rifle is missing its firing pin and spring, as well as its ramrod. After confiscation by federal authorities, many Needhams were “demilitarized” in this fashion. The number on its hammer wedge, and inside the hammer, is “452”. This rifle was featured in an article in the Journal of the Company of Military Historians in 2017, as well as in an article in Shooter’s Bible in 2004. This Needham is also included on the popular website about Fenian Needham rifles: www.pioneerarmsworks.com. Until recently, all sources have stated the Fenians converted 5,020 rifle-muskets into Needham breechloaders. However, according to the data assembled by Robert Morris, it now appears that less than 2,000 were actually converted, and that 700 were lost in a fire in Lincoln, Nebraska. Consequently, apparently only a few more than 1,000 of these guns survived into the 20th Century. Its pegged splice is a very rare variation, and this rifle is the quintessential example of the only firearm ever developed specifically for the cause of Irish freedom. PROVENANCE: Kenneth Smith-Christmas collection. CONDITION: Metal with an even mixture of gunmetal grey and soft brown patina, heavier at muzzle and at breech block. Stock with handling marks and impressions throughout, with a grain separation at butt and some chips missing around bands, and a large piece glued back in ahead of the breechblock. Mechanically fine, bore good with some scattered oxidation.