Colt Model 1883 Hammerless 32″ F/Cyl 10 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1885 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1575
LSB#: 210611TP56
Make: Colt
Model: 1883 Hammerless
Serial Number: 1399
Year of Manufacture: 1885 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Gauge: 10 Gauge
Action Type: Side by Side, Top Break, Hammerless Dual Non-Selective Trigger Shotgun with Extractor
Markings: The top of the rib is marked “COLTS PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U. S. A.”, the underside of the barrel set is marked “1399” and with inspector marks. The rear (facing towards the muzzle) of the extractor is marked “1399”. The forend iron is marked “1399” found again on the inside of the forend latch. The water table is marked “1399” found again on the lower tang. The upper tang is marked “SAFE”. The bottom of the frame is marked “PATENTED / AUG. 22, SEP. 19, 1882”. The receiver has border engraving.
Barrel Length: 32?
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Cylinder Bore, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the muzzle.
Weight: 8 lb., 13 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with asplinter forend, inlaid triangular ebony forend tip, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Colt buttplate. The stocks have a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a small loss at the top-rear corner on the left of the forend. There is a repaired break at the rear of the wrist, nearly vertical just in front of the comb and in front of the bottom of the grip. There is a patch-repair at the break in the bottom-front of the wrist. The break appears to have been repaired with the original parts, but the patch appears to be a separate piece. There is a crack at the heel on the left. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14″ and 13 1/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. Drop at comb measures approximately 2 1/4″, drop at heel 3 1/2″. The cast is about neutral. The buttplate has light wear, most at the heel and toe, with well defined checkering and colt. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-plus condition as repaired and refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Browned Damascus & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are generally bright with some scattered minor erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The barrels’ finish has scattered minor wear, but retains strong damascus patterning. The receiver has worn to white with some scattered minor erosion. There are a few nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels have light play to the receiver. The safety engages automatically when the barrel set is opened. 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 8366), every gun made was of the excellence promised in the promotional literature.” This shotgun was made in 1885, with 32″ damascus barrels chambered for 10 gauge shells. The stocks have been repaired, but still look great. 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, still in good shape after more than a century. This is one of the only 10 gauge 1883 shotguns we have seen come through our shop, and total production for all chamberings was only about 8,500 guns. This will make a nice addition to any Colt or American shotgun collection. Please see our photos and good luck!