doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Colt 1878 for first purchase

Greetings all, new to the forum and was looking for advise regarding my potential first purchase at a collector double. I have the opportunity to purchase a Colt 1878 10 gauge SxS that appears unrefinished, on face and locks tightly. Listed as having grade 2 engraved receiver and Damascus barrels that appear sharp and >90% intact (visible). Checkered stock complete/intact with what looks like better than average shape for it's age. Barrels are 32", shiny w/o pitting. I am unable to post pics and know that asking to guestimate a price w/o them is unrealistic. If I were to acquire her for mid 2k am I looking at a good gun to start my collection? I've researched the Colt the best I can online and am drawn to the beauty of the gun. Serial # puts her in 1881 production range. Thanks, appreciate any input from other Colt owners.

I think all of the Colt doubles were made in England. Chops

Colt produced only 2 models breech of loading shotguns. Both had a very limited run. The 1878 saw only 22,690, while the 1883 was even less at 7,366. Part of the problem was Colt produced a high quality gun with no entry level priced guns into a very competitive market. This is one of the few makers that we are sure where they sourced their damascus barrels: http://heuse.spahistoire.info/henriheuse.html

Supposedly the top grade 1878 had the Colt name woven into the damascus, though I have never even seen pictures of this.

Here is Colt 1878 10ga grade 3.




Certainly the Colt is a fine gun in any collection.

Pete

Ceruzzi,

I have one in 12 ga. The stock has a lot of DOH, 3and 1/4". I have only shot mine occasionally with BP loads. They are a very well made gun, finely finished inside and out. Mine is the base field model with twist barrels and line engraving on the hammers and sidelocks.

To my knowledge the guns were made in Hartford, Connecticut by Colt.

I have no idea on the prices for a graded 1878. The base models are fairly common.

Chief

Chopperlump, I assume you have some information that would make you believe Colt doubles were made in England. What might that be ?

C: Original condition is everything on collector quality guns. The 1878 is hard to find, more so in 10 gauge, and particularly in the shape you describe. $2,500 seems pretty steep for an "American" hammergun (I too think it may have been built in England ... at least there's been speculation that the 1883 was), but if it is in original high condition, it's a fair and maybe even low price.

That said, a grain of salt (or a whole shaker full) is called for at a time like this. For many of us here, our first serious purchase wasn't our smartest, and many nice old doubles are nice because they've been restored. I would urge that if you proceed, you purchase the gun on condition you can send it to a gunsmith of your choosing for a thorough examination, with the right to return it afterwards. He'll be able to answer some very important questions, like whether the barrels have been refinished and the bores reamed out to eliminate pitting (which might or might not affect safe shooting and would definitely affect value). Suggestions for qualified specialists can be gotten here, as you might expect.

Is there something about this particular gun that has made you consider starting your collection with it? Do you plan to shoot it? Many of us do hunt with guns of this age, but the gunsmith's advice will be very important on that question, as well. TT

If it was built in England would it not have English proof marks?
Mike

Most Colt hammer guns are going to have allot of drop....something to think about if you plan on it being a shooter.

Maybe he was thinking of the Winchester Double Barrel Hammer Guns that were made in England.

Thanks for the fast replies! To answer TT's questions, I would definitely intend on shooting the gun and a functional specimen will be what I'm looking for. Living in Florida, I'm limited to Quail hunting here and in Georgia but will hunt Pheasant before I die lol. Don't think i would spend a whole day afield with it, weight of gun approaching 9 1/2 lbs. To be honest as to why I chose this particular gun, like women, the look caught my eye first. I decided to research as best I could, and after seeing the relatively low production numbers it seems like a good choice especially if she is in fact unrestored/unmolested.

I'll be honest that I have essentially no experience or knowledge regarding vintage firearms but have always wanted to start acquiring pieces and I stumbled across the Colt. I believe I read that the barrels are English and proof marks may be evident. Thanks for suggesting the clause about a gunsmith verifying or money back, will make sure I do that. Will need to find competent smith in Florida/central Florida for that. If anybody knows one.....