1606

Exceptional Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Hammer 10 Gauge Shotgun

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Exceptional Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Hammer 10 Gauge Shotgun
Manufactured in 1883. The Colt Model 1878 Hammer Shotgun was right along side of the Parker shotgun as America's finest quality production shotgun. When the Model 1878 first appeared it was the highest priced item in the Colt line of firearms. This shotgun is a side lock, double hammer, double trigger gun with brown Damascus pattern barrels, blue trigger guard and break lever, and casehardened remaining parts. The top of the solid concave rib, with doll's head extension, is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." and each lock is marked "Colt's Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co." in italics with fine floral scroll engraving. The same engraving pattern is on the hammer sides, frame and trigger guard. Single brass bead sight, chambered 3" with extractor. Mounted with a checkered splinter forearm with ebony forend insert and round knob pistol grip stock with a checkered hard rubber Rampant Colt buttplate and silver initial oval. Due to the inability to compete with less expensive European imported shotguns, Colt stopped production after producing only 22,600 between 1878 and 1889.
BBL: 32 inch solid rib
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 10
Finish: brown/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 17346


Excellent. The barrels retain 95% of the original Damascus finish and crisp pattern with only minor thinning and handling marks. The locks retain 95% original bright case colors. The hammers retain 95% original vivid case colors (duller on the right hammer) with some smooth silver gray. The trigger guard retain 85% bright original high polish blue finish with scattered flaking to brown and a smooth plum patina on the lower tang. The break lever retains 98% bright original blue with thinning on the contact end. The action shows 90% plus bright case colors with the balance having a smooth silver gray patina. The wood is excellent with a few overall scattered minor dings and dents, and sharp checkering. Markings and engraving are crisp and clear. The mechanics are excellent.