Colt Model 1878 30″ 12 GA SXS Hammer Double Barrel Shotgun, 1885 Antique
Sold For: $1,200.00
LSB#: 220617JR007
Make: Colt
Model: 1878
Serial Number: 19740
Year of Manufacture: 1885 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Gauge: 12 GA, 2 5/8″ Black Powder Shells
Action Type: Top Lever Opening Sidelock External Hammer Double Barreled Shotgun
Markings: The serial number is marked on the barrel flat, forend iron, water table, the inside of the forend latch and the guard. Each lockplate is marked “Colt’s Pt. F.A. Mfg. Co.”. There are inspector’s marks on the bottoms of the barrels and forend lug assembly.
Barrel Length: 30″
Choke: Left: Improved Cylinder, Right: Cylinder Bore, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the rib near the muzzle.
Weight: 7 lb., 12.5 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with checkered splinter forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and smooth steel buttplate. The forend has an inlet ebony tip. The forend has a chip-loss on the left edge with a smaller one at the left-rear. The wrist has cracks extending back from the rear edge of each lockplate. There are scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is worn smooth in some places, worn, but visible in others. The LOP measures 14 1/8” and 13 1/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The drop at comb is 1 7/8″ and the drop at heel is 3 1/8″. The buttplate has worn to white with scattered erosion and spots of residue from the stocks’ new finish. The stocks are in about Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Damascus & Case-Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are gray with scattered erosion and pitting.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 25% of its metal finish. Most of the surfaces have gone to a light-moderate patina. There is some scattered damascus patterning in the barrels. There are some areas which have been polished or worn to white. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches and some spots of surface erosion. The action shows operational wear. The right hammer is missing its retaining screw and there appears to be a missing pin at the front of the right lockplate. The remaining screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun is in Fair-Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The right hammer’s mainspring is missing or broken. The right hammer’s retaining screw is missing. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The barrels lock up to the receiver with light play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Colt hardly needs an introduction as one of America’s oldest and most successful firearms manufacturers. In 1878, they introduced a shotgun to compete with the likes of Parker Brothers, with similar workmanship and grades offered. It came into Colt’s catalog as their highest price item in their line. While they were only produced until 1889, the Model 1878 is still prized by Colt collectors, today. This example is in fair shape for its age, needing a little work and with honest wear. This gun would make a nice display as-is and would be a good candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!
