Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #55
  • Lot #1131
Lot #1130
Lot #1132

Lot 1131: Colt 1878 Shotgun 12

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Shotgun with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: April 20, 2012

Lot 1131: Colt 1878 Shotgun 12

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Shotgun with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: April 20, 2012

Estimated Price: $2,000 - $3,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Shotgun with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1878
Type: Shotgun
Gauge: 12
Barrel: 32 inch solid rib
Finish: blue/brown/casehardened
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 2792
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 235
Class: Antique
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.

Rating Definition:

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.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #1191: TTN Model 1878 Double Barrel Hammer Coach Shotgun

    Lot #62: Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action Revolver

    Lot #890: Factory Engraved Lefever E Grade Double Barrel Shotgun

    Lot #496: Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action Revolver

    Lot #318: Factory Engraved Ugartechea .410 Bore Parker Hale Model Shotgun

    Lot #1183: Factory Engraved Webley & Scott Boxlock Double Barrel Shotgun