Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Help! Have black powder Zulu rifle - need info!

GCameron
Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give me. I have a very old black powder rifle "Zulu" that I need information on. The rifle was passed down to me and I would like information on it. Does anyone know a collector who might be interested in it? It looks to be in good shape.

Thank you so much
0

Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • HAIRY
    Great guns--bought one in the 50's; unfortunately, it was confiscated by the Chicago city police when I was busy shooting at some guys in the city limits (patch only). Ahh, the joys of being young! What are you asking for it? [:D]

    "To expect bad people not to do wrong is madness, for he who expects this desires an impossibility. But to allow people to behave so to others, and to expect them not to do you any wrong, is irrational and tyrannical." --Marcus Aurelius
    0
  • GCameron
    Thanks for the reply. That is why I am trying to get information on this gun. My husband just told me I had it wrong, though. He says it's a black powder shot gun, not a rifle. Sorry.

    I am considering to sell it, but can't find out what it is worth.

    Would like to find a website with markings that I can compare mine to.

    Anyone have any idea where I can find that?

    Thanks again!
    0
  • HAIRY
    Yep, that's the one. When I bought mine, I was told that the natives in Africa were not permitted to have high-powered guns but could have guns for hunting purposes. These were imported in large quantities but I don't know by whom. Again, once you decide upon the price you want, please let me know. I'm interested.


    "To expect bad people not to do wrong is madness, for he who expects this desires an impossibility. But to allow people to behave so to others, and to expect them not to do you any wrong, is irrational and tyrannical." --Marcus Aurelius
    0
  • rufe-snow
    "Zulu" is the common name used for French Percussion and Flintlock rifles that were converted in the 1860's to simple breechloaders. Hundreds of thousands of old rifles were reworked.

    They did the French little good as when the Germans beat them in the Franco Prussian War of 1870, these rifles became war booty.

    After the war was over most of these rifles had their barrels reamed and were sold as shotguns, many in the US.

    Unfortunately they have little value now, other then as wall hangers ( decorators ). The mechanism is to fragile to function with any sort of modern ammo. I wouldn't even try to shoot black powder shells in it.

    luger_4.jpg
    0
  • GCameron
    Thanks guys! Interesting information. The markings on the top of the barrel says 'ZULU' and then there is a 'D' a little further down. Then, closer up on the side is a large 694 and under that is 1390. There is an ELG inside a circle and some other markings. Wish I had a digital so I could post a pic. It's very long. Can't find my tape measure but I am 5'6" and it comes up to the top of my shoulder. Close to 4.5", I'd say.

    Even though this may not be safe to fire, it's a gorgeous piece of antiquity. The wood is in good shape and has a nice finish.

    I'm not sure that I could price it, but might consider offers. I am in no hurry to sell it and may just keep it if I'm not offered much for it. My husband loves this old rifle.

    My email is gcameron@sofnet.com If you email, put ZULU in the subject line so you don't get deleted.

    Thanks again
    0
  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by GCameron
    Thanks guys! Interesting information. The markings on the top of the barrel says 'ZULU' and then there is a 'D' a little further down. Then, closer up on the side is a large 694 and under that is 1390. There is an ELG inside a circle and some other markings.




    The "ELG inside a circle" are Belgian black powder proof marks.
    Looks like the Belgians are the ones who bought the captured French rifles off the Germans and converted them to shotguns.

    luger_4.jpg
    0
  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    Gayle; No Offers to Sell is allowed on the Forums....
    Hairy: No Offers to Buy allowed on the Forums.... Read the Posting Guidelines People....!

    Captain Kirk, Tech Staff
    0
  • GCameron
    I'm so sorry! I guess I missed that. Truly sorry. I really didn't come here looking to sell, but for information about the gun itself. Thanks for pointing it out. *blush


    AHHHH....OK...JUST WATCH IT FROM NOW ON..!
    0
  • HAIRY
    Opps--thanks Cap'n for the correction. I'll do better in the future.
    [;)][}:)]

    "To expect bad people not to do wrong is madness, for he who expects this desires an impossibility. But to allow people to behave so to others, and to expect them not to do you any wrong, is irrational and tyrannical." --Marcus Aurelius
    0
  • BOBBYWINS
    GC,
    Is it something like this?

    http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=20455188

    or,

    http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=20511984

    If so,you can see that they don't bring big bucks.My mom has one stuck away that was converted in 1856(I think).It's a Snider action BTW.Very good condition and it's the only one I've ever seen except for on GB and then it's only been a few.Seems like they would be worth more.The main difference I see on hers is that the barrel isn't nearly as long(I'm guessing 20-24")and there are no markings on it whatsoever except for proofmarks that I've never decifered and "1856" (or maybe it was "1876")on the inside of the right side plate.

    BW

    IT'S WHAT PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THEMSELVES THAT MAKES THEM AFRAID.
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity