Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. We just received this lovely example out of an antique firearms auction. This is a very nice example of the Colt Model 1878 Hammer Shotgun, with lovely 32 inch long Damascus laminated steel barrels. The serial number 18445 is stamped on the bottom of the barrel assembly, the top of the action in the hinge joint, the rear of the trigger guard, and on the metal fitting of the fore stock, indicating production in 1884, close to the end of this models production life. It is in the larger 10 gauge chambering, and looks to have seen light use, with the bores rating about 8-9 out of 10. They show just a bit of overall oxidation and wear.
Both lock plates are correctly marked Colt's Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co. in lovely ornamented print, and the top strap has the correct address marking:
COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U. S. A.
The bottom of the barrel has some additional markings, as well as 10, giving the gauge of the shotgun. The gun is in very good condition shape, and bores are clear, with some oxidation peppering. The standard top lever pushed to the side, opening the chambers for reloading. Removing the fore stock allows the barrels to be removed from the receiver.
Shotgun functions well, the ejector presents, and both locks work correctly. As this is a hammer shotgun, there is no half cock position, as the hammers are normally not even touching the firing pins when fully forward. The metalwork shows an overall aged patina in most areas, showing years of careful cleaning. The barrel still shows a lot of the original Damascus pattern.
The stocks on the shotgun are quite lovely, especially the butt stock, which has a checkered "pistol grip" design, and shows some lovely curl to the grain. There is a silver escutcheon on the bottom, which is unmarked. It has no cracks or major damage, though the composite Colt "Prancing Pony" butt plate is missing the bottom 1/4 below the lower screw. The fore stock also has lovely checkering, and an inlaid ebony diamond at the front. Both stocks have been varnished at some point in the past, which is well retained.
Already over 130 years old and still in very good condition, ready to display!
Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1884
Caliber: about 19.3mm 10 gauge / bore
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches with about 3" long Chambers
Overall Length: 48 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks with External Hammers
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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