There are differing thoughts on what this mysterious O is that seems to only be found on Bridesburg muskets/Needhams. Some think it is a Fenian stamp and others believe it is a Bridesburg stamp. Out of 193 Needhams on this site, only 28 are known to have an O on the lock
The following Needhams in this site have an O on the lock:
9
11
14
63
153
159
2?2
374
436
472
556
827
957
1088
BW02
BR20
BR33
BR39
BR40
BR41
BR43
BR44
BR45
BR49
BR83
NY44
________________________________________________________
Currently in the site, there are 28 Needhams with the an O on the lock. Of these 28:
1 is dated 1861
17 are dated 1862
8 are dated 1863
2 are unknown lock dates
My findings so far:
The O is only on some Bridesburg locks with the dates of 1861, 1862, and 1863. It is always under the name Bridesburg, usually below the “es”. On 1861 and 1862 dated locks with a forward date, the O has been seen behind, beneath, and forward of the date.
All New York stamped locks that I have seen have this O. The New York stamped locks were provided to Sarson & Roberts by Alfred Jenks of Bridesburg.
I believe this is an ordnance stamp from Bridesburg and have nothing to with the Fenians. I think these muskets were set aside by Bridesburg due to concerns they would not pass inspection. Or for some reason, they did not pass inspection and the O is a stamp saying they have now passed. However it seems most were not sold to the government and instead were sold to the Fenians.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Another interesting little mystery has popped up while investigating the O on the locks.
On nearly all Brideburgs with a rear date the O is found beneath the ES in Bridesburg. There is some slight variance on some locks as it may be slightly right or left but generally always under the ES. This tells me the inspector who stamped it was precise in his stamping.
However, on Bridesburg locks with a forward date, this precision is not found. The forward date Bridesburgs are an anomaly. The forward date does not comply with the M1861 pattern. The date should be at the rear of the lock. For those forward dates locks with an O, the O is seen in front of the date, over the date and behind the date. Another mystery to be solved for sure.
Forward date lock with O in front of the date.
Forward date lock with O over the date
Forward date lock with the O behind the date
________________________________________________________
Needham Conversions in this site with an “O” on the lock
Hammer #9
Hammer #11
Hammer #14
Hammer #63
________________________________________________________