{"product_id":"original-u-s-colt-model-1878-10-gauge-double-barrel-hammer-shotgun-with-32-barrels-serial-no-12046-made-in-1882","title":"Original U.S. Colt Model 1878 10 Gauge Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun with 32\" Barrels, Serial No. 12046, Made in 1882","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Colt Model 1878 double barrel hammer shotgun in 10 gauge, manufactured in \u003cstrong\u003e1882\u003c\/strong\u003e and fitted with 32\" side by side steel barrels. Serial number \u003cstrong\u003e12046\u003c\/strong\u003e appears on the barrel assembly, action water table, and fore stock iron. The expected serial number on the trigger guard or tang area is no longer legible due to wear. The shotgun retains substantial original blue on the barrels, well preserved case coloring on the action and lock plates, strong wood, and very good bright bores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Colt Model 1878 was a substantial exposed hammer sporting shotgun produced during the late 19th century in a variety of gauges and barrel lengths. This example is chambered in 10 gauge and carries 32\" steel barrels, giving it the large frame proportions typical of heavy sporting shotguns of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe serial number:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12046\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eis stamped on the underside of the barrel assembly, on the top of the action water table within the hinge area, and on the metal fitting of the fore stock. These visible serialized components agree. A serial number would also normally be expected on the trigger guard or adjoining tang area, but that location is worn to the point that no number can presently be read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth lock plates are marked in ornate script:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eColt's Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe top strap is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U. S. A.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe underside of the barrels carries additional factory markings including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efor the gauge, along with a conjoined \u003cstrong\u003eCP\u003c\/strong\u003e Colt proof and multiple \u003cstrong\u003eG\u003c\/strong\u003e stamps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shotgun remains in very good mechanical condition during manual inspection. The top lever moves correctly and opens the action as intended, while the extractor rises to present the shells for removal. Removing the fore stock allows the barrel assembly to separate correctly from the receiver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth locks function correctly. As a rebounding hammer shotgun, the locks do not use a conventional half cock position in normal operation. When fully lowered, the hammers rebound away from the firing pins rather than resting directly against them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 32\" barrels retain a substantial amount of original blue, with only light wear and age related oxidation. The action and lock plates retain a notable amount of their original case coloring. The exterior metalwork is generally very well preserved with only scattered age and handling wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bores are in very good condition, approximately 8 to 9 out of 10 by visual assessment. They are largely bright and shiny with only light scattered oxidation and minor wear. There are no major areas of heavy fouling or significant pitting noted. These observations describe only the present bore condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the shotgun is safe to load or fire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe walnut stocks are especially attractive. The butt stock has a sharply checkered wrist with strong surviving definition, while the fore stock carries matching checkering that also remains crisp. The wood overall has a pleasing aged color and shows only light service wear, with no major cracks, repairs, dents, or missing sections noted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe butt is fitted with a ribbed hard rubber butt plate in very good condition, with no major chips or missing pieces. The fore stock also retains its decorative inlaid ebony diamond at the front.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its 1882 production date, serial number 12046 repeated on the visible serialized components, 10 gauge chambering, 32\" barrels, substantial original blue and case coloring, very good bores, crisp checkering, original hard rubber butt plate, and ebony fore stock inlay, this is a strong example of the Colt Model 1878 hammer shotgun. The worn and unreadable trigger guard or tang serial location, light oxidation, minor bore wear, and general handling marks are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Colt sporting arms, antique shotgun, exposed hammer shotgun, 10 gauge, or advanced 19th century American firearms collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1882\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer: Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company\u003cbr\u003eModel: 1878 Hammer Shotgun\u003cbr\u003eSerial No.: 12046\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 10 gauge \/ bore \u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32 Inches with about 3\" long Chambers\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 48 3\/4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Side Action Locks with External Hammers\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Top Break with Top Lever\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45819794849861,"sku":"ONJR26AULC056","price":1895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26AULC056.jpg?v=1790024311","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-colt-model-1878-10-gauge-double-barrel-hammer-shotgun-with-32-barrels-serial-no-12046-made-in-1882","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}