Colt Model 1883 Hammerless 1894 Antique 12 Gauge Browned Damascus & Case Color 30″ Double Shotgun

SOLD FOR: $1,726.00
LSB#: 
190327HC02

Make: Colt

Model: 1883 Hammerless

Serial Number: 7312

Year of Manufacture: 1894

Gauge: 12 Gauge, the chamber length measures 2 3/4″

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 “M / 1 / M / 12 / 1 / 7312”. The rear of the barrel lug is marked “B.S”. The forend hardware and wood are marked “7312”. The underside of the extractor is marked “73” and “12”. The watertable is marked “7312”, 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″

Choke: The right barrel is fix choked Modified, the left is fix choked Full.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead, which is screwed into the solid, concave rib, which is finely checkered for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut set. The forend has an ebony tip insert. There are scattered dings and bruises on the wood. There are a few scratches of light depth. There are a few compressions to the checkers. For a gun over 100 years old, it is really hard to believe. In our opinion, there are fewer better examples of this shotgun with a comparable stock. There are no notable chips or cracks in the stock. The Drop at comb is 1 5/8”, drop at heel is 3″. The LOP measures 13 1/8” and 14 1/8” from the trigger to the back of the black hard rubber butt plate.The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition as antique.

Type of Finish: Case Colored Frame, Browned Damascus Barrels

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. We cannot believe the quality of the bores for an antique Black powder shotgun. This is a small dent in the left barrel that translates into the bore. It is not a safety concern, but noticeable to the most discerning collector.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The case colors on the exposed portions of the frame have muted slightly, but is vivid under the lever, on the water table and around the triggers. Just in front of the forend some of the Damascus chainings has worn away. This is a common place to lose finish from handling, assembly, and disassembly. There may have been an old patch of surface erosion here too at some point that was polished out with steel wool. There is some thinning to the Damascus on the left barrel just above the forend, again, in a commonly handled part of the gun. The trigger guard has patina from age. The screw head slots are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine- Excellent 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 1894, when the Wild West was still being won and the 1883’s product line was nearing an 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. This is one of the best 1883 shotguns we have seen come through our shop. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This Antique shotgun can be transferred in California.

Colt Model 1883 Hammerless 1894 Antique 12 Gauge Browned Damascus & Case Color 30" Double Shotgun
Colt Model 1883 Hammerless 1894 Antique 12 Gauge
Browned Damascus & Case Color 30″ Double Shotgun