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Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun With Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:450.00 USD Estimated At:900.00 - 1,400.00 USD
Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun With Factory Letter
Accompanied by a factory letter confirming its configuration and states; "Serial number 1711, caliber 12, barrel length, 30", finish blue, stock wood, factory engraved valued at $1.75, grade 6, weight 8-1/2 lbs." The shotgun was shipped to J.C. Grubb and Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 29, 1879 and was the only firearm in the shipment. Other features include a single brass bead front sight on a smooth concaved rib, which is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT U.S.A." The Damascus barrels feature 2-3/4 inch chambers and extractor. Side lock action marked "Colt's F.A. Mfg. Co." on both sides. The hammer, forearm lock, side plates and trigger guard feature simple boarder engraving. The shotgun is mounted with a checkered splinter forearm with ebony forend and round knob pistol grip stock with an iron shotgun buttplate and silver initial oval on the bottom. The Model 1878 was regarded as one of the finest of all American made shotguns. Having problems competing with less expensive European models of the time, Colt ceased production after only 22,690 were made between 1878 and 1889.
BBL: 30 inch solid rib
Stock:
Gauge: 12
Finish: Damascus/blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 1711


Good. The barrels retain traces of their attractive Damascus pattern thinning towards the muzzle with scattered dark patches down the length as well as minor pitting scattered near the breech. The frame is now a mottled dark patina with spotting and some light handling marks. The wood is good with the checkering exhibiting extensive wear with light pressure marks and a few small chips around the upper tang. The action is fine.