Manufactured in 1879, the second year of production, this is a solid representative example of a special ordered, deluxe, factory engraved Model 1878 shotgun. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration including the "fancy" grade and factory engraving valued at $15 (a princely sum at the time), as well as being a single gun shipment to J.C. Grubb & Co. in Philadelphia on 14 November 1879. The engraving was almost certainly executed by Cuno Helfricht, Colt's lead engraver at the time, with a similar example of an "extra fancy" Model 1878 (serial number 333) from Helfricht's shop pictured on p. 263 of "The Book of Colt Engraving" by Wilson. Though engraved examples of these shotguns are much sought after, these are generally more basic and less extensively embellished, making these "$15 fancy engraved" Model 1878s quite rare. The finely executed engraving features a total of five vignette scenes, composed of dogs on the front left and right of the lockplates and trigger guard, as well as game birds on the rear left and right. All of these are surrounded by beautiful, tight, English-style floral scroll engraving and patterned borders. Matching engraving extends to the breeches, top lever, hammers, and forearm furniture/latch. The Colt address is marked on top of the rib and both lockplates have the fancy scrip Colt markings. The wood is highly figured, deluxe grade, with a horn tip in the forearm, multi-point checkering on the grip areas, knob-type pistol grip, German silver escutcheon inscribed "D.S.B.C." on the bottom of the stock, and a smooth steel buttplate. The length of pull is 14 1/4 inches.

Very good with traces of original finish, distinct Damascus pattern on the barrels, and crisp engraving. The highly figured wood is fine with minor dings, scratches, and mostly defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.