Breechloading Musket...

A neighbor brought me a percussion firearm in the hopes that I would be able to identify it (and come up with a value) It appears to be a musket cut down for a "poor man's shotgun" these were available at the turn of the century for about $3.00. This item has a 28" bbl, crown N and crown V proof marks, and a unique trapdoor breech. The proof marks are German and indicate the firearm was made before 1891 and proofed for smokeless powder. There is a oval cartouche on the barrel indicating Belgian manufacture. I've sent pictures to several authorities hoping to get some more information. Shotguns of this type can usually bring in $300 - $700 depending on condition. I hope someone gets back to me with information, because the breech mechanism is really cool.

Steven Meyer at the German Gun Collectors Association identified the shotgun. This rifle is a French "Tabatier", a conversion of their percussion military arms to breechloading with a variation of the Snider system developed in the US. This musket was manufactured around the 1850's or 60's. Many many thousands were obsoleted and converted to so-called "zulu shotguns" by Belgian dealers...and sold all over the world. They went for $3.00 at Sears in 1900. This one probably went to the Germans first, as evidenced by the proof marks, and then migrated to the states. I have seen values on the web from $75 to $2000. This one is probably low end. I think I'm going to buy it from my neighbor, clean it up a bit, and hang it on the wall.