French 1853/1867 Infantry "Zulu Shotgun"

The French modified a larger number of their earlier battle rifles into a breech loading firearm by means of a side-swinging breech block known as a "Snider Conversion". Later, a large number of these were surplus'ed and used as either 10 or 12 gauge hunting shotguns. Despite its age and interesting history, they have been quite common over the years and are not worth particularly much.

However this firearm has been in my family for a long time, and accordingly has a bit of sentimental value which surpasses the monetary kind. Below is a picture of my Grandfather (on left)  as a boy holding it circa 1903. Discerning observers will also note the rifle in the hands of his brother (far right), is the 1876 SRC illustrated on my Winchester page. Pretty neat huh?

While this example is missing its swinging breech assembly, and is inoperable accordingly, I don't think I would be bold enough to attempt shooting it even if it were complete. None-the-less, it is a neat old rifle with an interesting history.

 

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