Question about Zulu shotgun

[RFMCab]

At my family farm we have an old Zulu Shotgun. It just sit in the corner of the living room, and so I was wondering if anyone knew or not if they used them in the Civil War. I know its been in my family awhile, but don't really know how long. my great great great grandfather was in the 48th Alabama Infantry if that helps at all. Sorry I don't have any pictures, as I am not there now or ever taken any, but next time we go up there I'll make sure to get some.

 

[Conquerordie]

I'm not kidding, the first antique gun I ever purchased was a Zulu shotgun when I was 10 years old at an antique sale. It's worth nothing, but I still have it. The conversions were done after the civil war, so in its current state it wasn't used. Mine looks like it was made from an old European musket, doubtful it was used here. But yours might be different.

 

[yulzari]

Breechldrs - French Snider shotguns used in Civil War? | Small Arms & Ammunition

Does anyone know if the French Model 1853/1867 Snider "Hunting" Conversions (aka "ZULU" shotguns) ever saw service in the Civil War? My dad just picked up one at an auction, and it's in rough but restorable condition. Stock has a crack along the underside, plus a warp that I'm hoping to...

civilwartalk.com

 

[Library Lady]

I'm not a gun person, so I have to ask: How did it get that name? When I hear Zulu, I think Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana.

 

[RedRover]

Here's a video discussion on the type...

 

[R. Porter]

This topic has come up at least a couple of times in the past year or so. I posted some images of some of the Zulu shotguns I have and others have documented the history and discussed the firearms. When I did a search for the threads so that I could post links I couldn't find them. In fact, most everything I've posted since joining CWT is missing. Is that something others are finding too or are there some new search parameters I don't know about?

 

[RedRover]

This topic has come up at least a couple of times in the past year or so. I posted some images of some of the Zulu shotguns I have and others have documented the history and discussed the firearms. When I did a search for the threads so that I could post links I couldn't find them. In fact, most everything I've posted since joining CWT is missing. Is that something others are finding too or are there some new search parameters I don't know about?

I've noticed the limitation of the search function too over the last several weeks.

However, I think you would find your previous posts are still there. Try clicking on "Forums" then "Find Threads" and "Threads with your posts." and you can scroll through them at least.

 

[R. Porter]

I've noticed the limitation of the search function too over the last several weeks.

However, I think you would find your previous posts are still there. Try clicking on "Forums" then "Find Threads" and "Threads with your posts." and you can scroll through them at least.


View attachment 562120

Thanks for the advice. I eventually just clicked on the Arms link in the featured forums and looked through the past year and a half. I found the link to the thread where I had posted images of my Zulu shotguns. It's about a 4 page thread and covers the firearms before they were made into Zulu shotguns and their conversion. There are some links to YouTube videos in addition to my pictures and they are on the last page of posts, I believe.

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/civil-war-era-musket-rifle.169018/

 

[Library Lady]

I've noticed the limitation of the search function too over the last several weeks.

However, I think you would find your previous posts are still there. Try clicking on "Forums" then "Find Threads" and "Threads with your posts." and you can scroll through them at least.


View attachment 562120

I don't think I ever noticed that feature before or, if I did, it didn't make the impression it should have. Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention, @RedRover ! The search engine and I don't always get along, so for many of the things I look for, this will be so much easier.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

I'm not a gun person, so I have to ask: How did it get that name? When I hear Zulu, I think Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana.

Some were marked on the top of the barrel "ZULU" after their final modification to a single shot cartridge 12 gauge shotgun.

 

[yulzari]

It may not have served in the American Difference of Opinion but it quite possibly may have seen service in Indo-China or North Africa, Central Africa, Syria, Italy and the 1870 War. Some super salesman even managed to sell a few hundred to the Iranians. As a Tabatiere it probably did see service in the hands of the French National Guard under Emperor Napoleon III and then the French National Government. Without a photograph I could not narrow it down further but it potentially could have served, in different stages of updating, assorted kings, emperors and republics. Even a minute possibility of serving Emperor Napoleon I. Very minute.

So cheer up. You have a great, if not valuable, piece of history.