Manufactured in 1881, this is a nice example of a scarce Colt Model 1878 double barrel shotgun. Colt manufactured only about 22,700 of these shotguns in 12 and 10 gauge from 1878 to 1889. The shotgun features a single bead sight on the concave solid rib, which is marked with the one line Hartford address, 3 inch chambers and an extractor. Each lock is marked "Colt's Pt. F.A. Mfg. Co." and the serial number appears on the lower tang. Casehardened frame, locks and hammers, blue trigger guard and break lever, and brown Damascus pattern barrels. Mounted with a checkered splinter forearm and round knob pistol grip stock with a ebony forend insert, iron buttplate and silver initial oval.

Very fine. The barrels retain 75% original brown finish with most of the Damascus pattern showing. The locks show 50% original case colors with the balance having a smooth mottled gray patina and the hammers have a smooth silver gray patina. The trigger guard and forearm hardware have a smooth mottled gray/brown patina. The wood is also very fine with almost all of the original finish remaining, sharp edges on the flats, some scattered minor dings and dents, and crisp checkering. Clear markings. Mechanically excellent.