Colt Model 1878 30″ 12 GA SXS Hammer Double Barrel Shotgun, 1882 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB260301JH004
Make: Colt
Model: 1878
Serial Number: 13060
Year of Manufacture: 1882 (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. The forend latch does not match. 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: Cylinder, Right: Cylinder , Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the rib near the muzzle.
Weight: 8 lb., 5.2 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with splinter forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and smooth steel buttplate. The forend has an inlet ebony tip. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. There are cracks forming around the side plates and tangs. There is a crack expanding from the ebony tip. The LOP measures 12 7/8” and 13 5/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The stocks are in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Damascus & Case-Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are gray. There is erosion and pitting throughout both barrels. In this writer’s opinion the bores rates at a 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about none of its metal finish. Most of the surfaces have gone to a light-moderate patina. There is visible 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 remaining screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fair – Good condition.
Mechanics: 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: The Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company Model 1878 is Colt’s first successful double-barrel shotgun, introduced in 1878 and produced into the late 19th century as a high-quality American sporting arm. Built with sidelocks and external hammers, the design reflects the transition from earlier percussion-era styling into cartridge-firing double guns. These shotguns were offered in a variety of configurations and were well regarded for their fit, finish, and mechanical quality. Chambered in 12 gauge for black powder shells, typically around 2 5/8″, the Model 1878 was intended for the loads and pressures of the period, making proper ammunition selection critical today.
This 1882 example presents in fair to good overall condition with clear signs of long-term use. The Damascus barrels show a worn but still visible pattern with areas of patina and wear to the white. The bores are gray with erosion and pitting throughout. The walnut stock set shows moderate wear with cracks at the sideplates, tangs, and forend tip, though it remains intact. The action functions correctly, though the barrels exhibit slight play at lockup. Matching serials across major components and correct Colt markings support its authenticity. Altogether, this Model 1878 stands as a well-used but historically significant example of Colt’s early double-barrel shotgun production. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P