These Needham conversions were originally Alfred Jenks & Son "Bridesburg" rifle-muskets manufactured for the Union during the Civil War and were actually used twice by the Fenians in their attempted invasions of Canada, once as muzzle loaders and again as breechloaders. This one has the distinctive two piece stock with a "V" at the joint under the middle barrel band said to differentiate those Needhams actually used by the Fenians from those assembled afterwards. The lock is dated "1862" behind the hammer. It has the standard markings and features. A "US/15" marked socket bayonet is included.

Only around 2,000 of these Miller conversions were completed by the Meriden Manufacturing Co. in 1865-1867. Some are known to have been in the Maryland and New York militia arsenals in the 1870s and 1880s. Like most of the known conversions, this one started out as a standard Parkers', Snow & Co. Model 1861 percussion rifle-musket which is not surprising given that company also operated out of Meriden, Connecticut. It retains most of the original Civil War era markings and features and is dated "1863" on the lock and has the standard William and George Miller patented breechblock and extractor.