This is a rare deluxe factory engraved and gold inlaid Colt Model 1883 hammerless shotgun manufactured in 1895. Colt only manufactured 7,366 Model 1883 shotguns between 1883 and 1895. Very few were factory engraved with gold inlays. The boxlock action and bottom of the trigger guard are engraved with fine English scroll with gold scroll pattern inlays on the recoil shield, wire inlay around the breech end of the barrels and gold "SAFE" on the upper tang. The break lever has a floral and light scroll pattern, and there is a wavy border on the lower tang. It has the standard "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT U.S.A." marking on top of the matte concave barrel rib. The bottom of the action is marked "PATENTED/AUG. 22. SEPT. 19. 1882." in a gold bordered banner. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, barrels and forearm hardware. There is a single brass bead front sight, 2 3/4 inch chambers, improved modified/improved modified chokes, ejector and double triggers. Mounted with a nicely figured walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with scalloped and fleur de lis borders, an ebony forend inset, a black and silver hard rubber grip cap and replacement solid red rubber recoil pad. The accompanying factory letter confirms the serial number, gauge, 30 inch barrel, blue finish, "Wood" stocks with a special feature of a silver recoil pad and that it was shipped as one to Gibson & Woodworth, address unavailable, on July 29, 1897. In the remarks the letter states that the shotgun was furnished with $150.00 worth of enhancements, though the records did not provide specific details of the enhancements. Colt's 1890 catalogue listed special order engraving from $150.00-300.00. The engraving with gold inlay was obviously the enhancement as it is undoubtedly original. Why the shotgun was shipped almost two years after production ceased is unknown.

Very good. The barrels show virtually all of the original blue Damascus pattern. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth gray patina. All of the gold inlay, except for a small piece on the left barrel breech, remains. The buttstock and forearm have been refurbished to near mint condition with a couple of minor dents on the right side of the stock. The markings and engraving remain crisp and clear. Mechanically fine. A nice, very scarce Colt Model 1883 shotgun made even rarer with the addition of factory engraving and gold inlays.