The Colt Model 1878 Double-Barrel Hammer Shotgun is considered to be the finest American double-barrel shotgun. Manufactured from 1878-1889, the Model 1878 Shotgun was the highest priced item in the Colt line and was available in almost any grade as a special order item. The accompanying Colt factory letter states that the shotgun was shipped to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co., in Chicago on April 3, 1883. The letter describes the shotgun as 10 Gauge with 30-inch barrels, blue finish and wood stocks. The chokes are listed as "Left-300" and "Right-300". "Engraving" is listed as "$85.00.". Single bead sight on the solid concave rib marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." at the breech end. The receiver, side plates, hammers, trigger guard and forearm catch are casehardened and decorated with delicate scrollwork and double line borders. "Colt's Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co." is engraved in fancy script on the sides of the lock plates. The serial number, "14686" is engraved on the lower tang. Mounted with a highly figured, fancy grade checkered walnut forearm with ebony forend inlay and round knob pistol grip stock with black checkered hard rubber buttplate with the Rampant Colt trademark embossed in a circle and silver initial oval. The initials "HNM" are neatly carved on the left side of the stock above the buttplate. Length of pull is 14 3/8 inches.

Very fine. The barrels show 70% of the Damascus pattern with the balance having a smooth plum brown patina. The trigger guard has a smooth gray patina. The casehardened parts retain 50% of the original case colors, brightest on the side plates with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The marking and engraving are crisp. The wood is very good showing some scattered moderate handling wear with scattered minor nicks and scratches. The checkering on the forearm has moderate handling wear, less pronounced on the wrist. This is a very fine example of one of the finest Colt products and one of the best 19th Century American double-barrel hammer shotguns.