The included factory letter confirms the serial number, gauge, barrel length, original finish, original weight, $10.00 engraving, grade, special feature concave matte rib, and that it was shipped to C.H. Colt of Hartford, Connecticut on October 22, 1887. Caldwell Hart Colt was of course the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Colt, a noted yachtsman and much like his father inventor. C.H. Colt is responsible for one of the rarest of Colt firearms, the 1878 Colt double rifle. The letter further states the shotgun was later returned to the factory to have the weight adjusted and the chokes altered. It was then shipped to a J.S. Brainard on November 7, 1891. Dual bead sights on the matte, concave rib with standard one-line maker's mark, twist Damascus steel barrels with 2 3/4 inch chambers, single extractor, and standard markings on the underside and flats. Casehardened receiver features sprays of fine scroll engraving bordering game bird and hunting dog scenes on the sides and patent markings on the underside. With matching engraved break lever, automatic sliding tang safety, and dual triggers. Checkered forend with engraved fittings and pistol grip stock with blank initial oval and checkered, hard rubber, Rampant Colt buttplate.

Very good plus. The barrels have an overall gray patina with traces of original bluing visible along the rib, small scattered dings, and crisp matting on the rib, small scattered dings, good visible Damascus pattern, and absent front sight bead. The receiver is an overall silver gray with well defined, clear engraving and some light spotting. The buttstock is fine with a chip absent the front left of the good forend, worn checkering, and dings and scratches throughout. Mechanically excellent.