Colt Model 1883 Hammerless, Damascus & Case Colored 32 INCH 10 Gauge Side By Side Dual Trigger SxS Shotgun MFD 1895

SOLD FOR $2,705

LSB#: 171118WG01

Make: Colt

Model: 1883 Hammerless

Serial Number: 7731

Year of Manufacture: 1895

Gauge: 10 Gauge, the chamber length measures 2 7/8″

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 flat is marked “M / 10 /  1 / 7731”. The rear of the barrel lug is marked “B.S”. The rear (facing towards the muzzle) of the extractor is marked “7731”. The forend hardware and wood are marked “7731”. The watertable is marked “7731” 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 red ventilated rubber butt plate is marked “Jostam / MFG CO / PEOTONE / ILL” in triangle and “HY-GUN / RECOIL PAD / PATENTED / DEC.29.1914 / OCT.12.1915 / SEP.20.1927”. A stylized “R. J. G.” has been engraved on the right face of the receiver.

Barrel Length: 32″

Choke: Bothe barrels are choked Improved Modified.

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece 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. There is an initial plate “blank” set into the bottom of the stock approximately half covered with verdigris. There is a small chip at the very rear end of the top tang. The stock has a crack at the wrist. The wood is still strong and stock firmly attached to the frame.  The Drop at comb is 1 5/8”, drop at heel is 2 7/8″. The LOP measures 13” and 14 1/8” from the trigger to the back of the wooden portion of the stock. The aftermarket butt-pad adds an additional 7/8″ LOP.The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition as antique.

Type of Finish: Case Colored Frame

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.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its ORIGINAL metal finish. The case colors on the frame have muted, especially on the underside. However, there is a lot of original finish and a lot of color remaining on a large portion of the frame. The damascus patterning is strong throughout with only a few spots of light surface corrosion. The trigger guard lost most of the finish from its front face but the rear and interior finish is strong. The screw head slots are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about 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 8366), every gun made was of the excellence promised in the promotional literature.” This shotgun was made in 1895, the last year of production for this model. This model was not sold commercially in large orders, generally only as a custom ordered piece meaning that the personalized engraving may be from the Colt factory. 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 only 10 gauge 1883 shotguns we have seen come through our shop. Please see our photos and good luck!