Premiere Collector's Firearms Auction - April 20, 21 & 22, 2012
April 20, 21 & 22, 2012
Premiere Collector's Firearms Auction
| Lot #: 1131 | Estimated Price: $2,000 - $3,000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Shotgun with Factory Letter | |||
      Click on the image(s) above to view a larger version | |||
| Got one to sell | |||
| LOT SOLD | |||
| Serial #: | 13030 | Manufacturer: | Colt |
| Model: | 1878 | Type: | Shotgun |
| Gauge: | 12 | Catalog Page: | 235 |
| Barrel Length: | 32 inch solid rib | Finish: | blue/brown/casehardened |
| Grip: | N/A | Stock: | walnut |
| Class: | Antique | ||
| Condition Rating: | |||
| Description: | Manufactured in 1882, this model was regarded as one of the finest shotguns made in America. Colt had trouble competing with the less expensive European imports of the day and stopped production after making only 22,690 shotguns from 1878 to 1889. The concave solid rib is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT U.S.A.", the side plates are marked "Colt's Pt. F.A. Mfg. Co.", with simple border line engraving and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. The barrels are brown finished Damascus, the trigger guard is finished blue and the remaining parts are casehardened. Single brass bead front sight, 2 3/4 inch chambers, choked modified/improved modified, with an extractor and mounted with checkered walnut forearm, round knob pistol grip stock with iron buttplate and silver initial oval on the bottom. The accompanying factory letter verifies the gauge, barrel length, blue finish, wood stock, factory engraved, Grade 6 and that it was shipped as 1 to E.K. Tryon Jr. & Company, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 25, 1882. | ||
| Condition: | Very fine. The barrels retain 75% original thinning brown finish, showing most of the original Damascus pattern. The trigger guard is a mix of original blue finish and smooth gray patina. The action retains 40% original case colors with the balance a smooth silver gray patina, with the side plates retain almost all of the bright original case colors. The hammers retain strong traces of original case colors in protected areas. The wood is very fine with some overall scattered minor dents, dings and scratches associated with a gun of this age, and overall the checkering is crisp. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. | ||
