BEAUTIFUL Colt Model 1883 12 Gauge Hammerless SxS Side by Side Shotgun – MFD 1890 Antique

SOLD FOR: $6,485
LSB#: 
130617DW26
Make: Colt
Model: 1883
Serial Number: 4436. Serial numbers between 3057 and 4056 were skipped to simulate high production.
Year of Manufacture: 1890
Gauge: 12 Ga. the chamber length measures 2 3/4″.
Action Type: Side by Side Hammerless Shotgun
Markings: The serial number is engraved on the lower tang and the underside of the frame is engraved “PATENTED / AUG 22. SEP 19. 1882”. The center rib is marked “COLT’S PT F A MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT U S A “. The inside of the metal is marked “4436” as is the water table on the frame. The underside of the barrels, at the center lug has markings as follows (from muzzle to breech): “H / G / P / 12 / I / G 3 / I / GG”. The barrel blat is marked “4436”.
Barrel Length: 28″
Choke: Left Barrel & Right Barrel: .690 (Full)
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a checkered center rib and a single brass bead at the muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are hand checkered, original pieces of beautifully figured wood. The finish is original and the fit is factory perfect, though slightly shrunk. There is a checkered hard rubber butt plate with the Colt medallion installed. This plate is not cracked and in Very Good condition. The screws are engraved and lightly worn. The stock has darkened with age and there is about 20% finish loss. There are a handful of dings, marks and depressions throughout, though nothing severe. The checkering is pronounced with only a few patches of wear. There is a black insert at the tip of the forearm and a silver inlay at the belly. The rear of the forearm looks to have hairline cracks at the left underside radius, but there is no separation. The LOP measures about 14″ from the front of the front trigger to the back of the hard rubber plate. The DAC is: 2″ and the DAH: 3 ¼”. There appears to be a neutral cast. The stocks rate in about Fine – Excellent overall condition, especially for their age.
Type of Finish: Damascus & Case Color Hardened
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright though there are streaks and lengthwise scratches in the bores ahead of the forcing cones. we are not sure what has caused this, perhaps improper cleaning? There is no erosion and the only flaws are the ones discussed.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its ORIGINAL metal finish. The case colors on the frame have muted, especially on the underside. However, there is a lot of original finish and a lot of color remaining on a large portion of the frame. The blued lower tang and trigger guard show the most thinning and a light patina here. The underside of the frame is barely mottled and there is honestly no erosion on the metal surfaces. The forearm hardware is missing most of its finish, but the metal remains smooth and the engraving clear. the barrels still show a beautiful Damascus pattern and a light brown finish with no erosion. there are no dents in the barrels that are visible through the bores and the wall thickness is still great throughout the length. There are only a few surface marks and dings, with the most marking to the center barrel rib. The screw heads are sharp with only the most insignificant wear and most are hand engraved to match the frame. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition – it is the best 1883 we have ever seen.
Mechanics: The action functions properly and uses the Anson and Deely Boxlock action. The lock up is tight and there is no play. We have not fired this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: With only about 7,300 of these made, this is actually one of the rarer Colts. The gun was manufactured from 1883 to 1895. The model was not sold commercially in large orders, generally only as a custom ordered piece. It was one of the highest priced models at the time and you can see the quality of craftsmanship in the gun. An example of one of these exists in the National Firearms Museum, though they should buy this one because this one is better than theirs . . . (http://www.nramuseum.org/the-museum/the-galleries/firearms-traditions-for-today/case-71-the-shotgun-sports/colt-model-1883-shotgun.aspx)

BEAUTIFUL Colt Model 1883 12 Gauge Hammerless SxS Side by Side Shotgun - MFD 1890 Antique
BEAUTIFUL Colt Model 1883 12 Gauge Hammerless SxS Side by Side Shotgun – MFD 1890 Antique