Hunter Model 1853/1867 Tabatière "Zulu" Trade Shotgun, 12 Gauge, 35 in Barrel, Antique, John Purton Sharpness Marked
This antique French Model 1853/1867 Tabatière stands out as a commercialized 12-gauge "Zulu" trade shotgun with a clearly stamped "JOHN PURTON SHARPNESS" barrel marking. It retains the right-swinging trapdoor breech with a top thumb-latch, an external percussion-style hammer, and a shortened trade-gun fore-end stock. The long 35-inch round barrel and absence of sights reflect the trade-gun configuration buyers seek in this pattern.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Bore Rifling: Not applicable - smoothbore 12-gauge barrel.
Specific Condition Notes: Heavy rust and corrosion are present. The tip of the barrel is deformed. The wood furniture is chipped and broken in places.
What’s Included
- Hunter Model 1853/1867 Tabatière Zulu Trade Shotgun (barrel marked "JOHN PURTON SHARPNESS")
Converted from the French Model 1853 percussion rifle-musket in 1867, this example uses the Tabatière hinged-breech system and was later offered commercially as a 12-gauge "Zulu" trade shotgun. The configuration and components align with that lineage while presenting the trade-gun features collectors recognize.
The action is a single-shot, right-swinging trapdoor with a top-mounted thumb-latch and visible return spring. It employs an external percussion-style hammer with a checkered thumb spur and includes a functional half-cock notch. Capacity is one round.
Key features include a 35-inch round barrel chambered in 12 gauge and an oil-finished hardwood stock with a shortened fore-end secured by a single barrel band, ending in a steel buttplate. There are no sights, consistent with the trade-shotgun setup. Length of pull measures 12.5 inches.
Markings and assembly details add context: the barrel is stamped "JOHN PURTON SHARPNESS" (retailer/assembler), and the breechblock bears an internal assembly marking. The fore-end shows a filled former ramrod channel with no thimbles or entry pipe, and no rod is included. Made in France.