This shotgun is shown on page 264 of "The Book of Colt Engraving" and page 485 of "The Book of Colt Firearms," both by R.L. Wilson. In the latter is noted as "Serial #21924 of The Model 1878 Double Barrel Shotgun. Presented to insurance man Ezra E. Smith, and fitted with an inscribed sterling silver plaque on the left side of the stock. 30" barrels; 12 gauge. Shipped in April of 188. Hard rubber buttplate." and noted as from the Robert Q. Sutherland Collection. Also included is a Paul Skogstad letter in German to a Mr. Wacker noting that the Colt shipping records lists this shotgun in 12 bore with 20 inch barrels, 7 3/4 lbs. weight, Grade No. 2, rubber buttplate, "left 240," "right 165," and as shipped to E.E. Smith on April 4, 1888. He notes the right and left numbers were believed by Wilson to relate to the chokes. He also notes that Hartford was not only known for Colt but also as the most important city in the U.S. in relation to insurance companies. The silver plaque reads "PRESENTED TO/Ezra E. Smith/From/AETA FIRE INS. CO. - HARTFD. CO. MUTUAL/PHOENIX- MIDDLESEX MUTUAL/HARTFORD - TRAVS. LIFE & ACCIDT. CO./HOME N.Y./1888." The shotgun was manufactured in 1887 and otherwise has the standard markings and features. Ezra Ernest Smith (1820-1894) of East Hartford was originally from Brookline, Massachusetts, but worked for many years in Hartford in insurance and real estate, a state legislator, and held numerous local offices, including town treasurer, town clerk, notary public, assessor, justice of the peace, superior court commissioner, and auditor. He sold his fire insurance agency that he started back in 1865 to Charles Merriman in 1887. The presentation of this shotgun thus likely related to his retirement. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .722/.747 inches; choke constriction .007/.018 inches; minimum wall thickness .023/.018 inches; 1 15/16 inch drop at comb; 3 inch drop at heel; 13 13/16 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs 1 oz.

Fine overall with a blend of gray and brown patina and light brown finish along the barrels as well as 70% distinct Damascus patterns, strong patterns of mostly silvered out original case colors, 30% original blue mostly visible in the protected areas, smooth gray patina on the balance, aged patina on the silver plaque, crisp checkering, a few faint cracks in the stock, filled small flake at the heel, mild scratches and dings, and aged coloration on the buttplate. Mechanically fine.