Early Colt 1883 Hammerless 12 Gauge 24″ SXS Shotgun MFD 1883 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,525.00

LSB#: WY250323AV048

Make: Colt

Model: 1883 Hammerless

Serial Number: 24

Year of Manufacture: 1883 (First Year Production, Antique)

Caliber: 12 Gauge

Action Type: Break Action, Side-by-Side Double Barrel, Hammerless

Markings: The top of the rib is marked “COLTS PT FL MFG CO HARTFORD CT USA” The barrel flat, inside the forend and the water table are marked “24” The bottom of the receiver is marked “PATENTED AUG 22, 1882 / SEPT 19, 1882”  The right side of the receiver has an engraving of a dog pointing at an American Woodcock. The left side of the receiver has an engraved hunting, aiming at pheasants flying over a lake. There is an engraved dog in the bottom of the receiver. 

Barrel Length: 24” Cut Barrels, Chain Pattern Damascus.

Choke: Both bores are Fixed Cylinder.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small brass bead mounted to the concave rib. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is in a 2 piece wood configuration featuring a straight comb, plastic buttplate, checkered prince of whales grip and checkered forend. The LOP is 14.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttstock is not original to the gun. There are light handling marks present. There are no chips or cracks. The stock rates in Very Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Oil Dipped / Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are semi bright. There is light erosion and pitting present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7.5/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 45% of its original finish. The balance of the finish shows general wear from age and handling. The screw heads are lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The pins are clean. The markings are legible and sharp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition as an Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The locking mechanism is tight, and the triggers break cleanly. The automatic safety engages properly. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This is a rare and desirable first-year production example of the Colt Model 1883 Hammerless Double Barrel Shotgun, manufactured in 1883. Designed to compete with the finest British game guns of the era, the 1883 was Colt’s entry into the premium boxlock shotgun market and was produced in limited quantities. This particular example, serial number 24, is outfitted with 24” cut barrels, fixed Cylinder chokes, and retains distinct factory engravings depicting hunting dogs and game scenes, which add considerable aesthetic and collectible appeal. The oil-dipped and case-colored finish, though aged, still shows about 45% of its original luster and lends the gun a pleasing antique patina.

Despite its age, this 1883 remains mechanically sound with tight lockup, crisp trigger breaks, and a functioning automatic safety. The barrels show semi-bright bores with light erosion and pitting consistent with black powder use, rating 7.5/10. The furniture includes a replaced but well-fitting buttstock with a Prince of Wales grip and checkered forend, all in Very Good condition. The brass bead sight is intact, and all markings, including the Hartford address and early 1882 patent dates, remain sharp and legible. The engraving work—highlighting dogs, woodcock, and pheasants—captures the artistry of Colt’s high-grade sporting arms in the Gilded Age.

As a first-year production example of Colt’s finest double gun, this shotgun is a standout collector’s piece. It offers not only historical value as an early American sidelock but also visual charm through its engraving and aged finish. Whether added to a vintage shotgun collection, displayed as an example of 19th-century American craftsmanship, or appreciated for its mechanical integrity, this Colt 1883 is a noteworthy artifact of Colt’s lesser-known ventures into premium sporting arms. Please see our high quality photos and good luck on your bid! -M.C.