Colt Model 1878 Hammers 12 Gauge 19 3/4” Double Shotgun 1885 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,030.00
LSB#: LSB251204JV024
Make: Colt
Model: 1878 Side by Side
Serial Number: 18579
Year of Manufacture: 1885 Antique
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Black Powder Only
Action Type: Side by Side, Top Break, Hammers, Dual Non-Selective Trigger Shotgun with Extractor
Markings: The lock plates are marked “Colts Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co” The lower tang, barrel flats, and the water table are all marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 19 3/4″ Damascus steel. The barrels have been cut and the keels filled.
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut, semi pistol grip, straight comb, with smooth steel buttplate. The drop at comb is 2 1/4″ and the drop at heel is 3 1/4″. The LOP is 14″ and 13 1/4″ from the triggers to the buttplate. There appears to have been some sanding and partial refinish done at some point. The checkering is faint and worn mostly away. There are scratches, compression dents, and other handling wear throughout. There are no major cracks or other structural issues. There are some small chips near the lock plates and tang. There is some oil darkening. Overall these stocks are in Good condition for a refinished antique.
Type of Finish: Case Colored Frame, Damascus Barrels
Finish Originality: Original, though some cold blue has been applied to the barrels.
Bore Condition: The bores are gray. There is minor erosion scattered throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10 for Damascus barrels.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. The case colors are mostly muted. The barrels show some damascus twist and have been swabbed with cold blue. The rest of the metal has gone to gray patina. The screw head slots are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The top snap locks up at 6:30. There is some play on the face. The left firing pin is broken. These issues plus being a damascus barrel means that we would at minimum recommend a gunsmith inspection before any attempt to fire.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1878 side by side shotgun represents Colt’s ambitious entry into the competitive double gun market of the late nineteenth century. Introduced in 1878 and produced through the 1890s, these hammer guns reflected the era’s transition from percussion arms to refined breechloading sporting shotguns. Manufactured in 1885, this example falls squarely within the black powder period and retains the classic exposed hammers, dual non-selective triggers, and extractor system that defined American sporting doubles of the time. The 19 3/4 inch Damascus barrels, now cut from their original length with the keels filled, give the gun a compact and lively profile while still displaying visible twist pattern beneath later cold blue application.
Chambered for 2 3/4 inch black powder 12 gauge shells, this shotgun is representative of the dominant American sporting gauge of the nineteenth century. The bores are gray with minor scattered erosion and rate 6 out of 10 for Damascus barrels in this writer’s opinion. The brass bead remains at the front of the rib. The case colored frame has largely muted to a soft patina, while the barrels retain visible Damascus patterning under the applied finish. The lock plates are properly marked with Colt’s address, and matching serial numbers are present on the tang, barrel flats, and water table, with crisp and legible markings throughout.
Approximately 50 percent of the original metal finish remains, with the balance aged to an even gray patina. The screw slots show light tool marks but remain serviceable. The walnut stocks feature a semi pistol grip, straight comb, and smooth steel buttplate with a 14 inch and 13 1/4 inch length of pull from the respective triggers. The wood shows evidence of sanding and partial refinish, with worn checkering, scattered handling marks, oil darkening, and small chips near the lock plates and tang, but no major structural cracks. The top snap locks at approximately 6:30 with some play on the face, and the left firing pin is broken. Given the Damascus barrels and noted mechanical considerations, a qualified gunsmith inspection is strongly advised before any attempt at use. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! MF
