Uh, "continental" means from the continent of Europe.
Here is what a check at oldguns.net turned up (This is a 1997 reply to a question like yours, they are selling for more than $75 now.)
The hinged breechblock pretty well identifies this as a "Zulu" shotgun. These started life as French Model 1857 muzzle loading percussion muskets. They were later converted to breechloaders using the hinged breechblock, but were basically obsolete even then. A few were used by the Frenchin the Franco Prussion War (1870-71) and most were sold around 1874 to Belgian surplus dealers. The stocks were cut down, the barrels bored out smooth and sold as cheap shotguns. Instead of just being called "Ugly old French muskets made into cheap shotguns" the dealers coined the name "Zulu" invoking images of fierce warriors hunting in the wilds of Africa. These were sold all over the world, Sears offered them for $3.40 to $4.50 in the 1880s and 90s. They are great wall hangers, and dealers rejoice when they can sell one for anything more than about $75.00 today. Guns are loaded with insights into evolving technology, the growth and decline of nations, and the ingenuity of men and women engaged in free enterprise. Wow! You get all this free with each and every Zulu!
