^Lot 104 Very Late Colt Model 1878 Side-by-Side Hammer Shotgun

Very Late Colt Model 1878 Side-by-Side Hammer Shotgun, #20,000. 12 ga. 30" solid rib Damascus barrels have 2-3/4" chambers and are choked Full/IC. The action features lockup via double underlugs and a doll's head rib extension, double hammers and triggers, and simple extractors; lockplates are border engraved. The splinter forend and Prince of Wales round-knob buttstock are straight-grained walnut, with adequate checkering, unengraved brass oval inlay, ebony forend tip, and original black Rampant Colt buttplate. Mfg'd approx. 1884. Condition is good to very good showing much field use but no abuse. There are numerous small handling marks on the wood, small edge erosion and cracks at junction to locks and tangs, and little checkering left. Metal has gone to a dark brown patina. Action is a little loose, should not be fired with modern ammo; bores are moderately pitted; locks function OK but somewhat sticky. A good candidate for a restoration. Est.: $600-$800. (Antique)