Antique Belgian Zulu Tabatière Conversion 12 Gauge Single-Shot, 29.5 inch Smoothbore, External Hammer (c. 1870–1914)
This antique Zulu Tabatière Conversion is a Belgian-made, single-shot 12 gauge smoothbore built for black-powder shells and dating to roughly 1870–1914. It uses the classic side-hinged Tabatière breech with a top latch and cross-hatched thumbpiece and features a 29.5 inch round barrel with a small front bead. The piece shows the hallmarks of a conversion from an earlier muzzleloader, including a full-length fore-end with metal tip and plates covering the former ramrod channel. It is serial-number exempt and bears distinctive internal and stock markings with no maker's name or Liège proofs visible.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Overall Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Bore Fouling: Moderate Fouling - Lead or copper fouling with noticeable buildup.
Specific Condition Notes: There are significant markings from previous handling and use. The bore is bright and clean. The stock is loose, and the mechanism seems to function. This firearm is sold as-is; it is not recommended for firing. A gunsmith evaluation is needed before any attempt to fire.
What’s Included
- Zulu Tabatière Conversion 12 gauge single-shot firearm
The action is the traditional Tabatière pattern: a side-hinged breechblock with a top latch and cross-hatched thumbpiece operated alongside an external hammer. This mechanism reflects late 19th-century Belgian conversions intended for black-powder 12-gauge shells and offers straightforward, single-shot operation.
The barrel is a round, smoothbore 29.5 inch tube with a small front bead and no rear sight, aligning with period-appropriate configuration for this type. Capacity is one round.
The hardwood stock presents as a full-length fore-end with a metal tip, and the fore-end carries metal plates that cover the former ramrod channel, evidencing its conversion lineage. The receiver is iron/steel, consistent with the era and style.
Markings are minimal: no maker's name, Liège proofs, or "ZULU" barrel legend are visible. The breechblock interior is stamped "D" over "205," and the stock's right side bears a hand-cut "H." This antique is serial-number exempt.