The Colt Double Rifles are among the rarest of all Colt firearms with only around 35-40 manufactured in 1879-1885. They are believed to have been primarily specially made for Caldwell Hart Colt and his associates. He was the son of Samuel Colt and inherited his father's fortune and love of firearms and was personally involved in the design which is based on the Colt Model 1878 Shotgun and was chambered for the .45-70, .45-85 Express, 45-90 and .45-100 cartridges. It has a brass blade front sight, notch ladder rear sight with platinum sight lines, "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." on the rib, "COLT'S PT FA MFG CO" and light engraving on the locks, a crossed swords with "VIS" mark on the bottom of the action, checkered forearm with horn tip inlay, checkered round knob pistol grip buttstock with smooth casehardened buttplate and blank initial oval, "No 28" on the lower tang, and the matching serial number on the bottom of the right barrel, left side of the water table, and inside of the forearm.

Fine with 90% of the period refinished blue remaining on the barrels and trigger guard, 75% refurbished case colors remaining on the action, 60% original blue finish remaining on the buttplate, gray and brown patina on the balance, minimal slight oxidation mainly on the buttplate, and light handling and storage marks. The wood is fine and has crisp checkering, a few tiny flakes at the edges, and some minor pressure marks and dents on the sides of the butt. Mechanically excellent. Overall, this is a very attractive and exceedingly rare antique Colt that would fill a critical gap in many Colt collections.