Colt Model 1883 Hammerless 3-Digit! 30″ SxS 12 Ga Side-By-Side Double Barrel Shotgun, 1884 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,375.00
LSB#: 180614GD10

Make: Colt

Model: 1884 Hammerless

Serial Number: 359

Year of Manufacture: 1884 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Gauge: 12 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 left barrel flat is marked “S”, the right “359”, the rib extending forward from the barrel flats to the forend lug is marked “M” at the front-left, “1” at the front-right, “P” behind the lug and “12 / 1” behind that, the bottom of the lug is marked “P”, the flat between the two barrel lugs is marked “P”, the bottom of the rear lug is marked “K”, the rear face of the rear lug is marked “B.S.”. The rear (facing towards the muzzle) of the extractor is marked “359” on the right and “49” on the right. The forend iron is marked “359”. The watertable is marked “359” 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. 1882. SEP. 19. 1882”. The buttplate has a rampant colt in circle in its center.

Barrel Length: 30?

Choke: Bothe barrels are fixed Cylinder Bore

Sights / Optics: There is a white bead at the front of the solid rib and a smaller white mid-bead. The top of the rib is slightly dished.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut set with an ebony forend tip, round-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, checkered black rubber buttplate, and an initial plate “blank” set into the belly of the stock. The stocks have several scattered light compressions, drag-lines and bruises with a small moderate-depth bruise on the comb and some drag lines on the right of the wrist more noticeable due to discoloration. There is a repaired chip loss at the heel. There are no cracks. The Drop at comb is 1 7/8”, drop at heel is 3 1/4?. The LOP measures 13 3/4” and 12 3/4” from the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has little wear with well defined checkering and detail on the rampant colt, in about Fine-Excellent condition as Antique.The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Damascus Barrels & Blued 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 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The damascus patterning is strong throughout with only a few spots of light surface corrosion. The receiver retains strong finish  with a few scattered light marks, handling wear on the bottom and some finish wear on the fences. The trigger guard and bottom tang have nearly completely worn to white with scattered freckling. The safety slider has worn to white and there is handling wear on the lever. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition for an Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It is designed to return to ‘safe’ when the barrel set is opened. The trigges break crisply. 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: This shotgun comes with a vintage three-piece wood and brass cleaning rod assembly and a two-page vintage Colt advertisement for the 1883 Hammerless, including diagram, parts list and description. The cleaning rod assembly has some scattered light wear and discoloration, in about Very Good-plus condition. The promotional material has been stapled at the top-left forner and has some light wear at the corners, in about Fine condition, especially considering its age.

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 1884, a very early production gun at serial number 359. This model was not sold commercially in large orders, generally only as a custom ordered piece, though this one has not yet had its initial plaque marked. It was one of the highest priced models at the time and you can see the quality of craftsmanship in the gun. These shotguns are rare, with only about 3,000 total produced, but to find one in this condition, especially with bores as clean as this, is something very special, indeed. Please see our photos and good luck!

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

The barrel length section should read: 30″ The question mark is a typo.