Colt Model 1883 Hammerless 10 Gauge 30” Double Shotgun 1887 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,225.00

WOA#: WY240526BJ090

Make: Colt

Model: 1883 Hammerless

Serial Number: 2692

Year of Manufacture: 1887

Gauge: 10 Gauge, the chamber length measures 2 1/2?

Action Type: Side by Side, Top Break, Hammerless Dual Non-Selective Trigger Shotgun with Extractor

Markings: The top of the rib is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG CO. HARTFORD CT U.S.A.”, the underside of the barrel set flat is marked “G/ P / G / 10 / 1 / G G / 2692. The rear of the barrel lug is marked “G G”. The forend hardware and wood are marked “2692”. The watertable is marked “2692”, also seen through the water table on the floorplate and found again on the lower tang. The upper tang is marked “SAFE”, the forend’s release latch plate, receiver, and frame have a tasteful line and border engraving as photographed. The bottom of the frame is marked “PATENTED / AUG. 22, SEP. 19, 1882”. The black rubber butt plate has the Rampant Colt logo in oval.

Barrel Length: 30?

Sights / Optics: There is an ivory bead at the front of the rib. There is an empty hole for a midbead.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece bird’s eye maple set with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and Colt hard rubber buttplate.  There are no notable chips or cracks in the stock. The LOP measures 13 1/4” and 14 1/8” from the trigger to the back of the black hard rubber butt plate. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Case Colored Frame, Damascus Barrels

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright.  There is minor erosion scattered throughout.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rares 6/10 for Damascus barrels.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The case colors are completely muted. Just in front of the forend some of the Damascus chainings has worn away but they are strong throughout the barrel. This is a common place to lose finish from handling, assembly, and disassembly.  The trigger guard has patina from age. The screw head slots are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition for an antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It is designed to return to ‘safe’ when the barrel set is opened. The trigger pulls are smooth with a crisp break. There is no play in the barrel to receiver fit. 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: From R.L. Wilson’s The Book of Colt Firearms, page 488 “Colt’s Model 1883 shotgun was one of the finest products manufactured in the firm’s long history. While production was comparatively limited (total only 7366), every gun made was of the excellence promised in the promotional literature.” This shotgun was made in 1887, when the Wild West was still being won and the 1883’s product line was half way from its end.  This 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.  Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.