Colt Side by Side Shotgun
I am trying to find a value on this Colt Shotgun and all the items that go with it. This gun along with the two powder flasks, reloading equipment and metal shotgun shells has been in my family since new. I have one Hunting license from 1932 for a great uncle who owned the gun and still used it into his mid 70s. All serial numbers on the forearm, receiver and barrels match. Not pictures is a couple more of the metal shotgun shells, I think one or two are of the chrome look all the others are brass
like in the pictures. One of the flasks is still half full of black powder but the other is empty.
I am trying to figure a fair price for all of this as I am trying to downsize on some of the many items I have had for many years. There was an original black leather holder this gun came with but over the years the leather deteriorated.
-
This is a well maintained - fine figured - Damascus barrelled shotgun. The accessories are for loading Black Powder shotgun shells. This shotgun should never be fired with a modern smokeless powder shotgun shell - I don't care WHO told you can use "low brass" shells - you get away with it for a while but eventually things will go sideways - ask my left hand how I know.
Here are a few Damascus barreled - hammer - shotguns up for auction to have a look at. From the condition of the one you have I would expect it to be somewhat more valuable.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/886128336
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/885436835
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/885958598
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/884246691
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/886017814
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/879588630
Best Regards - AQH
3 -
Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms. Has a section on Colt shotguns. Your is the basic grade, made in the late 1880's. Highest SN given is 22,690, dating to 1889. Although your's appears to be in VG condition, by the grading standards for antique firearms. The original case hardened finish on the locks, and finish on the Damascus barrels is mostly gone.
Pity that a 130+ year old family heirloom has to be sold. Along with the accessories. If you have any original family documents/photos, to substiant it's family history/provenience. This would probably increase it's value, to a prospective buyer.
6 -
While it's interesting for us to look at photos of old guns on this forum, this is not the place for you to go if you want to sell your shotgun & accessories. Getting value estimates doesn't sell the gun. You really don't want an estimate of value, you want to sell the gun. The best way to do that is to put your shotgun up for absolute sale on a large firearms auction (like, for example, www.Gunbroker.com ).
Put a starting price in your auction that is the lowest amount that you are willing to take. If it doesn't sell at that price, you've lost nothing, you can relist at a lower price if you want, or just keep the gun.
Neal
0 -
The somewhat dated books I have put the value at $1400 - 2400 for a 50%/good condition gun. The Colt Model 1878 was a high end gun for it's time. The reloading accessories do not add much to the package, although the powder flasks are very nice. Bear in mind these are value estimates and not actual selling prices. Good advice from nmyers above.
0 -
Beautiful package! Put in on GB and post a link to the auction.
0 -
Thanks to all for the comments. In response to a couple comments, if I had someone to pass this and many other guns i would but I am the last and now in my 60s. There are many vintage guns beside this that I have to figure out how to preserve them and your comments are appreciated.
Thanks
0 -
First - take the powder flask containing black powder outside and spread it around on the lawn - perfectly good fertilizer. Just don't dump it all in one spot.
Next - Do NOT - repeat Do NOT - attempt to 'clean' any of the accessories - ESPECIALLY the powder flasks. Those interested in period arms and accessories do not want any of the 'patina' removed.
If this were a muzzle loading shotgun of this period in this condition, with those powder flasks, I would most likely get in a bidding contest with whomever else was interested.
Best Regards - AQH
3 -
If you want a family member to leave your guns to, I am available for adoption!
Seriously, you and your ancestors have taken good care of that Colt and many people would be happy to own it. If you sell it on GunBroker be sure to let us know.
0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
8 comments