Less than 23,000 (22,683) Model 1878 Shotguns were manufactured by Colt between 1878 and 1889. The accompanying factory letter states that it was shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales in New York, New York on May 1, 1883. The letter describes the shotgun as a "Grade 2", 12 gauge, with 30-inch barrels, blue finish and "wood" stock. The shotgun has Damascus barrels with a single brass bead sight on the concave solid rib. The trigger guard, lower tang, trigger guard plate and break lever are blue and the remaining parts casehardened. The side plates are engraved "Colt's Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co." and the serial number is engraved on the lower tang. The matching serial number is marked on the barrel flat, water table and inside of the forearm hardware. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with an ebony forend insert and straight grip stock with a steel shotgun buttplate. The Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun was the highest priced item in the Colt line and is considered to be the finest quality American production shotgun. Length of pull is 14 inches.