In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Options

Colt Side by Side Shotgun

tkeatingtkeating Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
in Ask the Experts

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

DSCN9094.JPG
IMG_2120.JPG
IMG_2121.JPG
IMG_2122.JPG
IMG_2124.JPG
IMG_2125.JPG
IMG_2126.JPG
IMG_2128.JPG
IMG_2129.JPG
DSCN9095.JPG
DSCN9096.JPG

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.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Options
    AdamsQuailHunterAdamsQuailHunter Member Posts: 2,027 ✭✭✭✭

    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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Options
    rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭

    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.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Options
    nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,880 ✭✭✭✭

    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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Options
    navc130navc130 Member Posts: 1,205 ✭✭✭

    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.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Options
    GrasshopperGrasshopper Member Posts: 16,759 ✭✭✭✭

    Beautiful package! Put in on GB and post a link to the auction.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Options
    tkeatingtkeating Member Posts: 5 ✭✭

    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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Options
    AdamsQuailHunterAdamsQuailHunter Member Posts: 2,027 ✭✭✭✭

    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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Options
    kannoneerkannoneer Member Posts: 3,364 ✭✭✭✭

    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.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.