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Scarce Factory Colt 10 Gauge Model 1878 Double-Barrel Hammer Shotgun with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Scarce Factory Colt 10 Gauge Model 1878 Double-Barrel Hammer Shotgun with Factory Letter
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Estimate: $6000 - 9000
Colt Model 1878 Double-Barrel Shotgun with Colt factory letter that states the shotgun was shipped to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co., in Chicago on April 3, 1883. The letter describes the shotgun as 10 Gauge with 30-inch barrels, blue finish and wood stocks. The chokes are listed as "Left-300" and "Right-300". "Engraving" is listed as "$85.00 worth of engraving.". The shotgun has Damascus barrels with a center rib and brass bead front sight. The rib is engraved: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The receiver, side plates, hammers, trigger guard and forearm catch are color casehardened and decorated with delicate scrollwork and double line borders. "Colt's Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co." is engraved in fancy script on the sides of the lock plates. The serial number, "14686" is engraved on the lower tang. The stock and forearm are highly figured, fancy grade walnut with a varnish finish. The forearm and pistol grip have fine checkering. There is an ebony inlay in the tip of the forearm and a German Silver oval plate inlaid in the stock. The stock has a black, checkered, hard rubber buttplate with the Rampant Colt trademark embossed in a circle. The initials "HNM" are neatly carved on the left side of the stock above the buttplate. The Colt Model 1878 Double-Barrel Hammer Shotgun is considered to be the finest American double-barrel shotgun. Manufactured from 1878-1889, the Model 1878 Shotgun was the highest priced item in the Colt line and was available in almost any grade as a special order item.
BBL: 30 inch
Stock: walnut checkered
Gauge: 10
Finish: damascus/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 14686
Condition: Very fine. The Damascus barrels have 70% of the pattern with the balance a smooth, plum brown, patina. The side plates, receiver, trigger guard and on the casehardened components retain 50% of the original case colors. The delicate engraving is crisp. The stock and forearm show moderate handling wear with scattered, minor nicks and scratches. The checkering on the forearm has moderate handling wear; the wear on the pistol grip checkering is less pronounced. This is a very fine example of one of the finest Colt products and one of the best 19th Century American double-barrel hammer shotguns.