Product Description
FENIAN BROTHERHOOD Antique U.S. ALFRED JENKS & Son “BRIDESBURG” Model 1863
“IN” Marked & Used in the INVASION OF CANADA in 1866
Here we present an antique Fenian Brotherhood Alfred Jenks & Son Contract Bridesburg U.S. Model 1863 Rifle-Musket, made in 1863. This U.S. Civil War Bridesburg Contract Rifle Musket represents a fascinating series of events in world history. Bridesburg Rifle Muskets were purchased as surplus just after the American Civil War by a secret Irish-American society calling themselves the Fenian Brotherhood. The Brotherhood plotted to invade and take over Canada (a British commonwealth) in order to negotiate the independence of Ireland from Britain.
The first attack happened in June 1866 just over the border from Niagara, New York. The attack involved 600 Fenians against a column of Canadian Volunteers, and the attack was successful. However, upon retreat back to the U.S. they were arrested, and the guns confiscated. A short time later, the guns were released back to the group via political connections and a second attack was plotted. The Rifle Muskets were quite obsolete by this time, so the Brotherhood updated many of them (not this example) using the patent of J&G Needham of England. The work was done in a shop in Trenton, New Jersey to about 5,000 rifles in 1869. This time the invasion was through Vermont in May of 1870 and involved 200 Fenians. This attack failed and resulted in their capture, ending a little-known chapter in world history.
The overall condition is very good. Plum patina throughout. The action is excellent. The bore is in good condition: reflective with strong rifling. The stock shows a faint “IN” Fenian Brotherhood mark on the left stock flat; the stock shows use and remains solid throughout.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 40 inches.
Caliber: .58 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
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$2800
#233058