Very Fine ANTIQUE Colt Model 1883 Hammerless 26" 12 Ga Side by Side Shotgun
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 1893, with 26" damascus barrels chambered for 12 gauge shells. The stocks have been refinished, so they look great for their age. 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 one has 26" barrels and the choke indicates it was intended for upland game. With a total production for all chamberings of only about 8,500 guns, all of the 1883 models are desirable. This will make a nice addition to any Colt or American shotgun collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Colt
Model: 1883 Hammerless
Serial Number: 6898
Year of Manufacture: 1893 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, Black Powder
Action Type: Side by Side, Top Break, Hammerless Dual Non-Selective Trigger Shotgun with extractor
Barrel Length: 26"
Choke: Left: Skeet, Right: Light Modified, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a white bead at the muzzle and a smaller white mid-bead.
Weight: 7 lb., 3.9 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, unmarked initial plate in the belly, and checkered black hard rubber Colt buttplate. The forend has an inlaid triangular ebony insert at the nose. The stocks have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, some finished over. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 3/4" and 12 3/4" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear, more notable at the heel with a small loss at the toe. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/4, drop at heel 3 1/4". Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Browned Damascus & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion, but there is some stubborn fouling, mostly in and in front of the forcing cones. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The barrels' finish has scattered wear, but retains strong damascus patterning in most areas. The receiver has mostly worn to white with strong case color in the water table. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. There some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows 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-Fine condition as ANTIQUE.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock to the receiver with no play. 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: This shotgun comes with a wood case and canvas cover
CA LEGAL: ANTIQUE
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