58 Centerfire Musket (Needham Conversion)

This Case was a transaction case from Mussel loader to center fire. At the end of the civil War and the abundance of surplus rifles. Many Ammunition Companies designed there own variety of the 58 Caliber. This follows the U.S. Musket. Not to be Confused with the 58 Berdan, 58 Roberts and others

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 convertion rifles which occasionally show up for sale.

We strive to manufacture this product as close to original specifications as possible. This, however, is not always possible due to modern brass availability. If you need specific dimensions.

NOTE: We cannot be shipped this product outside the United States and United States Territories in compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

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