Ramon Zuloaga Model 1817 Miquelet Fusil

1817 Ramon Zuloaga Spanish Colonial Miquelet-lock Fusil (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black powder/ ball ammunition)

In Spain, there were still those who sought life abroad. Juan Manuel De La Sota was such a person. He commissioned Ramon Zuloaga, a Spanish master, to create a miquelet fusil for him, using a new process which involved steel made from used horse shoes (herraduras) that had been strengthened on the hoof by the constant pounding they received while in use. The horse shoes were cut up, heated white-hot, folded, and repounded over 40 times, making this steel extremely strong. Zuloaga fashioned a light fusil from this steel, dating it in gold, 1817." Juan De La Sota journeyed to Monterey, California, where he lived for many years.

The fusil stands today as a reminder of past Spanish glories and as an example of how talented Spanish craftsmen could produce beautiful works of art."

- Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #37