Antique FRENCH MAUBEUGE Belgian “ZULU” Snider Single Shot 12 Gauge SHOTGUN “An admirable Boy’s or Farmer’s Gun”

Product Description

Antique FRENCH MAUBEUGE Belgian “ZULU” Snider Single Shot 12 Gauge SHOTGUN

“An admirable Boy’s or Farmer’s Gun”

Here we present an antique French Maubeuge Tabatiere Breech-loading Centerfire Shotgun, frequently known as “Zulu”. The origin of this shotgun is an interesting one. Originally, this was an 1857 French musket made at the Maubeuge Arsenal. Soon after, they converted these muzzleloaders to breech-loaders, using the Snider system, so that they became known as the System 1867. They were used in the Franco-Prussian War in which the French were defeated. By the end of the war, the French decided that the converted muskets were unacceptable and once again updated their arsenals, this time with the 1874 Gras. Being that there was no military use for these surplus guns as they were, a Belgian gunmaker, Bertrand & Fils, had the idea to convert these (for a second time) into shotguns.

The name “Zulu” was probably inspired by the British Colonial Zula War of 1879, around the time period where sales of these guns was at its highest. Imports to the United States were good throughout the end of the 19^th Century, until domestic production of single shot shotguns caught up with competitive options. Companies like E.C. Meacham in St. Louis and Sears & Roebuck in Chicago both sold these and marketed them as “an admirable Boy’s or Farmer’s Gun” and fills a long-felt want for a good breechloader at a moderate price. It uses regular brass or paper shells.” This was used when the Western portion of the United States was still quite unsettled and need for affordable workhorse firearms was high.

The overall condition is good. Strong action. The bore is in good shape with a slight shimmer remaining and some pitting at the muzzle. Solid stock overall with average wear. Markings are worn. The barrel finish has matured into a brown patina.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 34-1/8 inches.

Caliber: 12 Gauge

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$900
#230082