Manufactured in 1881, these Colt Model 1878 shotguns would have been a popular choice for shopkeepers or those tasked with protecting stage coaches in the American West. Much like modern shotguns, these arms provided a large amount of firepower at short range, with very little training needed to be effective. This example is a Grade 6, which could be considered a fairly utilitarian piece. The Damascus patterned barrels are joined with concave rib hand engraved with the Colt address and the locks both have lightly engraved borders and the hand engraved Colt markings. The included factory letter lists the engraving value as $1.75, the weight as 10 1/4 lbs., and shipment to Hartley and Graham in New York on 31 March 1881. It is fitted with a single brass bead sight and is mounted with a checkered splinter forearm with ebony insert and a checkered pistol grip stock with a blank German silver initial escutcheon and a hard rubber buttplate. Stock measurements: 2 1/8 inch drop at comb; 3 7/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 9 lbs. 15 oz.

Very good, showing the look of having spent many years hung behind a shopkeepers counter, the barrels mostly a smooth brown patina with distinct Damascus patterns and traces of the original case colors on the locks. The wood is fine with some scattered minor edge chips, handling marks, and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.