One More try. M1863 Bridesburg with Fenian Cut

[Musket Man]

When the Fenaina raid raid failed in 1866, one of the things learned was the U.S. was able to pick out musket crates due to length. So they got the bright idea to cut the stocks on some of their Needham Conversions to put them into smaller crates. They were hoping this would help conceal their weapons from U.S. authorities. it is not know how many were cut but a mixture of cut and uncut were sent to the front for their raid. The Needhams available today gnereally fall into three categories for collectors. One is uncut and unstamped, still a Fenian weapon and these make up most of the ones on the market today. Second would be unstamped but still cut and third would be stamped and cut. Stamped IN and cut is what most of the collectors look for. In my opinion the cream of the crop are those stamped with an IR and a Shamrock. It's not that they have more history, they are in such smaller numbers. I am still looking for one of these.

The one today is a Bridesburg M1863 dated 1863, It has a very early hammer number of 130 out of 5020. it has the elusive V-cut meaining it most likely went on the actual raids.  

[Musket Man]

some more

[Dirk]

Rare weapon being shown here with excellent tutorial…thank you for sharing….hope others notice this great thread.

[The Iron Brigade]

Musket Man your threads and information are greatly appreciated. Unfortunately most American collectors know little about the Fenians, so don't get discouraged. Thank you.

[M24 Chaffee]

Another interesting piece from your collection!

 

Frank