March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
Colt's Model 1883 shotgun was one of the finest products manufactured in the firm's long history with a total of 7,360 manufactured. It was best quality all the way. The 1890 catalog stated this gun was made of the best materials and workmanship, and equal to the most costly and best English sporting gun. The parts are simple, strong and few in number. U.S. President Grover Cleveland received two of these guns in 8 gauge. Features a hammerless boxlock action, standard ejectors, the finest Belgian made Damascus patterns finished in brown, deluxe walnut stocks, finely checkered, ebony forend tips, pistol grip cap, double set triggers, top safety, case colored frame (traces remain). Has two complete matching sets of barrels and forends, all numbered to gun. Complete engraving on frame and trigger guard in scroll pattern with duck on trigger guard and pointer and pheasants on right and left sides. Wood is excellent to near mint with original finish and nice checkering. Buttplate has been replaced with solid black plate that deserves a red English style rubber buttpad. Both forend stocks are excellent and features Deeley release. Both barrels have matted ribs, single bead and doll head lock. Mirror bores and tight as new lock-up. Gun was shipped on January 30th, 1897; one gun to Gibson & Woodworth. It is odd that the factory letter does not mention the 26" barrels, nor does it mention engraving. This is obviously a higher grade gun with presentation plaque on butt. These were expensive guns, even on their introduction, with engraving alone costing $125. Record of engraving found under Cuno Helfricht, Huge Reuss, and the Young Brothers. Both barrels are numbered "2" underneath, and an identical font is found on all serial numbers, with serifs. A similar style of tang engraving on 1883 listed as Helfricht can be found on page 355 of the "Colt Engraving" book, which shows the top tang area. Similar pointer and pheasant engraving is found on page 348, which shows the left panel and bottom frame of the H.S. Kearney gun; shows nearly identical patterns and patterns of scroll engraving at base, Serial No. 7654. The pattern of checkering is identical on both of the matching forearms. Barrels are dent-free and have a true ring, no signs of any solder repairs. We believe this to be Helfricht engraved based on the patterns and the quality of engraving. One of the most beautiful, deluxe 1883 Hammerless Colts we have seen. Comes in a monogrammed leather luggage case with brass buckles that needs a new handle a strap. Mirror bores and locks up tight as new. An extremely fine and rare Helfricht engraved complete two barrel cased set that with the addition of a proper English style red pad would be a show-stopper in any collection.
Accessories
Case, Extra Barrel
Barrel Length
(A) 28" (B) 26"