This Colt Model 1883 Double Barrel Shotgun has double triggers, factory engraving and scarce straight wrist English style stock. This shotgun is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that describes the features as: 10 gauge, 30 inch barrel, blue finish and $3.00 factory engraving. The letter states that this shotgun was shipped to A.J. Rummel in Toledo, Ohio, on February 28, 1890, and subsequently returned to the factory and subsequently delivered to Caldwell Hart Colt on November 21, 1893. Rummel was a Toledo gun powder maker who died at age 65 in 1908. Caldwell Hart Colt was the only child of Samuel Colt that survived into adulthood and was not surprisingly fairly spoiled by his millionaire mother who had lost her husband and three other children by the time Caldwell was four. He is best remembered by Colt collectors for his influence in the genesis of the Model 1879 double rifles which were manufactured largely for Caldwell and his friends, and he was also a vice-president of the company prior to his death at sea at the age of 35 in 1894. The Damascus barrels are blue and feature a raised matted rib with a brass bead at the muzzle and a smaller bead in the middle. The factory legend "COLT'S. PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." is die-stamped in a single line on the top of the rib. The receiver and forearm latch are casehardened. The side plates, bottom of the receiver and trigger guard have engraved double line borders. The bottom of the receiver is engraved "PATENTED/AUG 22 1882 SEP. 19, 1882" in two lines ahead of the trigger guard. "SAFE" is carved in relief above the selector switch. The serial number is engraved on the lower tang and stamped on the bottom of the lower right barrel, the inside of the forearm latch and on the bottom of the forearm. All of the visible serial numbers match. The unique English pattern straight grip buttstock is straight grain highly figured walnut with fine checkered panels and a high polish piano finish. The forearm has a horn tip, and the stock has a black checkered hard rubber buttplate with the circled Rampant Colt logo in the center. The bottom of the stock is inlaid with an oval German silver escutcheon. The Model 1883 Double Barrel Shotgun is considered to be one of the finest firearms ever manufactured by Colt. No expense was spared to ensure that the Model 1883 Shotgun was equal to the finest British and European firearms. The Model 1883 Shotgun is generally considered to be one of the best of all American double barrel shotguns. Only 7,366 of these fine shotguns were manufactured between 1883 and 1895. Surviving examples are scarce and very desirable, particularly with the straight wrist English stock.

Exceptionally. The Damascus patterns and finish on the barrel remain 85% complete and have faded slightly and has a silver-blue patina. The receiver, upper and lower tang have 80% plus of the vivid original case colors. The delicately engraved borders and patent markings are crisp. The stock and forearm are both very fine with most of the high polish piano finish remaining and crisp checkering. Wear is limited to some scattered handling marks and blemishes. The action is tight, and the shotgun appears to be in excellent mechanical condition. This is an exceptional Caldwell Colt identified and documented Colt Model 1883 Hammerless Double Barrel Shotgun with desirable straight wrist stock.