Guns International #: 101600007
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Guns International #: 101600007
Category - Colt Shotguns
- Hammer Shotguns
Seller's Information
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Seller: DOUBLEGUN PRESERVATION
Member Since: 3/7/12
State:
Virginia
Zip: 22207
Country: United States
Phone: (703) 625-4830
Premium Seller
Active Listings: 3
Seller Type:Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods: Certified Check, Postal Money Order, Personal Check
Colt Model 1878 12-Gauge Field-Grade Shotgun in High Original Condition, S/N 5231 Mfg. 1880
Description: American-made field-grade hammer shotguns that have survived the last 140 years in high original condition are, arguably about as scarce as their highest-grade counterparts. As in the case of this 1880 12-gauge Model 1878, Colt manufactured far more of its field grade guns than its higher graded guns. However, field grade guns were worked hard in their day. And, as they were passed down from generation to generation, field grade guns did not have the extensive engraving, fine Damascus-steel barrels, and burled-walnut stocks to proclaim their financial value and motivate quality care and preservation. However, the people who took care of this gun, which is in fine to excellent condition, knew what they were doing and apparently passed that knowledge from generation to generation along with the gun.. Part of the story of its preservation is found in the wood behind the locks, which is pristine and without any contamination by petroleum-based oil, and beneath the buttplate. The latter shows the repeated application of natural stock oils, decade-after-decade, to prevent dryness and cracking of the wood. The condition of the wood and writing style of the penciled serial number confirm originality. The exterior of the wood has handling marks, as one would expect of a gun of this age. The LOP is 14 inches; the DAC is 2-1/4 inches; and the DAH 3-1/2 inches. This gun has no checkering, which adds to its scarcity. A long time ago, perhpas the original owner had an 1859 Canadian 20-cent piece inletted into the right side of the stock. This clearly meant something to him and adds to the gun’s sense of history. The outside of the sidelocks and receiver have extensive, albeit faded, original case-color. The case-color can also be seen on the inside of the locks, on the receiver underneath the bar of the locks, and on the forend metal. The 30-inch barrels, which are made of British stub-twist steel, have 2-3/4-inch chambers. The bore diameters measured at 9-inches from the breech are both .742 inches. The external diameters of the barrels at the bores are both .820 inches. The constriction in both barrels is .025 inches (improved modified choke). The wall thicknesses of the right barrel measured at 9-inches from the muzzle are (top/side/bottom) .045/.045/.050 inches, and at the middle of the barrel are .048/.048/.050 inches. The wall thicknesses of the left barrel are .043/.048/.046 and .044/.048/.046 inches, respectively. This level of precision is an indicator of the quality of these barrels. The exteriors of the barrels have approximately 80% original finish. Their condition is marred somewhat by artifacts of surface pitting along both sides, indicative of a gun that was once stored for a period in a case when wet. The bores are bright with artifacts of light pitting from the black powder of its period. This gun weighs 8 pound 7 ounces. The pull of both triggers is 5 pounds. The gun locks up tightly and is on face. All serial numbers, 5231, match. The listed price of the gun does not include shipping costs paid by buyer. The inspection period is 7 days from receipt. This shotgun has been fired on the range and in the field using low pressure 2-3/4” shells produced for Damascus-barreled shotguns by RST Corporation. However, as for any antique or vintage shotgun, and especially one a hundred and forty-years old, it is recommended that the new owner have it inspected by a professional gunsmith before firing and then only use shells that produce pressures for which the gun was designed. The gun carries a 30-day warrantee, during which Doublegun Preservation will have any mechanical problems documented by a professional gunsmith repaired or accept the return of the gun and refund the price of the gun and the return shipping cost. Doublegun Preservation will also accept its return and pay for shipping if a qualified Colt expert determines during the warranty period that the gun is not in the original condition as described. Please do not hesitate to call Stephen Wesbrook at 703-625-4830 with questions or to discuss the gun. SOLD Antique: Yes |
Guns International #: 101600007
Guns International #: 101600007