Lot 3256: Colt Model 1878 Side by Side Shotgun

Manufactured in 1887 with a single brass bead sight on the solid rib, this shotgun is choked improved cylinder/improved cylinder and has 2 3/4 inch chambers with an extractor. The serial number is stamped on the water table, on the inside of the forearm hardware and on the bottom flat of the barrels with the serial number also engraved on the lower tang. "Colt's Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co." is stamped in script letters on each lock plate. Mounted on a checkered splinter forearm with ebony accent and a multi-point checkered Prince of Wales style buttstock with a smooth steel buttplate. Length of pull is 14 1/8 inches. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Very fine, with 85% plus of the original brown finish remains on the attractive Damascus twist barrels with all of the pattern visible. There are a few light dings at the muzzles. The casehardened components retain 40% of the original vivid case colors mostly in the protected areas. Some of the screw heads are marred. The wood is also very fine with a hairline crack inside the forearm (not visible externally!) along with scattered light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent.