Colt Model 1883 Hammerless 30″ M/IC 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1891 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,235.00
WOA#: WY240611RD012
Make: Colt
Model: 1883 Hammerless
Serial Number: 5777
Year of Manufacture: 1891
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 1/2″ Shells, Black Powder Only
Action Type: Side by Side, Top Break, Hammerless Dual Non-Selective Trigger Shotgun with Extractor
Barrel Length: 30?
Choke: The left barrel is fix choked Modified, the left is fix choked Improved Cylinder.
Sights / Optics: There is a large brass bead at the front of the rib and a smaller brass mid-bead.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut set with splinter forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Colt buttplate. The forend has an ebony tip insert, there is an initial plate in the belly. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches on the wood. There is minor cracking at the rear of the top tang. The checkering is well defined. The Drop at comb is 1 3/4”, drop at heel is 2 1/2?. The LOP measures 14 3/8” and 13 3/8” from the triggers to the back of the butt plate. The plate has scattered light wear with well defined checkering. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Damascus & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, serial marked parts are matching.
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate about 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 20% of its metal finish. Most exposed surfaces show wear and muting, though the damascus patterning is generally visible on the barrels. There is some stronger finish on the portions of the barrels covered by the forend when assembled. There is infrequent case color in well protected areas of the receiver. There are some light nicks and scratches with scattered minor oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up with barely perceptible play to the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1883 hammerless shotgun is one of Colt’s finer products, certainly one of the more well made and machined of its time. Production was fairly limited for a Colt firearm, with just over 8,000 produced over the course of about a decade.
This example was made in 1891, with 30″ damascus barrels chambered for 12 gauge shells. It is a High Grade gun with beautiful hunting scenes and scroll engraving on its receiver. The gun shows its age, retaining about 20% of its original metal finish and having some wear on its stocks. The gun still has surprisingly nice bores and locks up with barely perceptible play. The 1883 was one of the highest priced models at the time and you can see the quality of craftsmanship in the gun, still in functioning condition after more than 130 years! Total production for all 1883 shotguns was only about 8,300 guns, so this will make a nice addition to any Colt or American shotgun collection, especially with its engraving. It would also be a good candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
