(Note: A quite rare 45-70 variation of the American version Colt Berdan rifle was also produced, as were variations of the Berdan made up as target rifles [also bearing American markings]. These arms demand a premium.)
Colt Laidley Military Rifle
Colt Laidley Military Rifle. Single shot breechloader with rolling block, split breech, type action (but unlike the Remington or Whitney). Made c. 1867. Total produced 50 of which 25 were in 45 centerfire caliber and 25 in 50 centerfire.
Barrel length 36". Full walnut stock, 2 band fastened. Serial numbered 1 through 50 under barrel. Only marking on the lower numbered specimens F.R.B. under barrel or on front of frame (Franklin R. Bull, Chief Arms Inspector of Springfield Armory sent to Colt’s to help in manufacture of the rifle).
Designed by Col. T.T.S. Laidley, U.S. Army, but not adopted for U.S. service. At Laidley’s request, Colt made these 50 rifles (on plans obtained from Springfield Armory) for submission to Russian ordnance officers. Laidley design was also the basis for the Whitney-Laidley rifle (q.v.):
5B-259.5
| 5B-259.5 | Values—Very Good $2,250 | Exc. $3,500 |
Colt-Franklin Military Rifle
Colt-Franklin Military Rifle. Bolt action breechloader, having a gravity-feed box magazine. Made in 1887-88; the total produced about 50.
45-70 caliber. Magazine capacity 9 shots. Barrel length of 32-1/2".
Serial numbering from 1 on up. Some specimens marked with U.S. government inspector stamps, VP and eagle head, A, U, and US. Colt company name and Hartford address barrel markings not always present.
One of the great rarities in Colt’s production, the Franklin was patented by a vice president of the firm, General William B. Franklin. The hope was for quantity sales to the United States government. The weapon had some basic failings, not the least of which was the quite primitive magazine, and the rifles made appear to have been for experimental and test purposes:
5B-260
| 5B-260 | Values—Very Good $4,500 | Exc. $8,500 |
Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Shotgun
Model 1878 Double Barrel Shotgun, Exposed Hammers. Made from 1878-89; in a total quantity of 22,690.
Gauges: 10 and 12. Side by side barrels; sidelocks. Barrel lengths standard at 28", 30" and 32"; other lengths available on order. All barrels manufactured in Belgium and sent “in the white” to Colt’s where they were assembled and finished in a great variety of “Damascus” patterns (see discussion of same, Chapter XVII) many reaching complex and aesthetic heights and far greater than the mere four styles/grades (TWIST...FINE TWIST...LAMINATED...DAMASCUS) advertised for them. Occasionally found with extra set of matched numbered barrels; worth premium of 50 percent or more. Double triggers.
Oil stained or varnished checkered walnut stocks (uncheckered on very plainest grade); pistol grip standard; straight stocks scarcer and usually bring premium. Metal parts finished as follows: Locks, breech, and forend mounts casehardened; barrels blued or browned, and feature damascus patterns.
Serial numbering from 1 on up; marked in various positions, but most quickly located on the trigger guard tang. Barrel rib marked: COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.Gauge markings on bottom of breech area of barrels. Colt’s Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co. marked on lockplates.
Colt’s first double barrel shotgun proved to be a success until competition from less expensive foreign products became excessive. Enthusiasts regard the Colt Model 1878 as one of the finest quality shotguns made in American history. Not a few of these arms continue in use today—though their firing with modern loads (even weak ones) is not recommended.
Major variations are:
Plainest grade, merely line engraving bordering edges of locks, or with just the slightest simple scroll engraving; uncheckered, or very plain checkered stock; broad, coarse “Damascus” patterns on barrel finish:
5B-261
| 5B-261 | Values—Very Good $425 | Exc. $1,150 |
Medium Grade, with more profuse scroll, or simple scene engraving, checkering of better quality as are the patterns of the “Damascus” finishes of the barrels:
| 5B-261.5 | Values—Very Good $625 | Exc. $1,750 |
Finest Grade, profusely engraved, often with detailed game scenes; very delicate and ornate patterns in the “Damascus” barrel finish; elaborate checkering and stock work:
| 5B-262 | Values—Very Good $1,100 | Exc. $5,500 |
(Note: Colt factory ledgers are complete on the Model 1878 shotgun, and provide an exhaustive amount of detail.)
Colt Model 1883 Double Barrel Shotgun
Model 1883 Double Barrel Shotgun, Hammerless. Manufactured from 1883-95; total quantity about 7,366.
Gauges: 10 and 12 (8 ga. known; very rare). Side by side barrels; boxlock action. Barrel lengths standard at 28", 30", and 32"; variations made on special order-lengths as short as 18" and long as 36" recorded. As with the Model 1878 shotgun, all barrels were imported from Belgium and assembled and finished at the Colt factory (see details above). Occasionally found with extra set of matched numbers barrel and worth premium of 50 percent or more. Double triggers.
Oil stained or varnished checkered walnut stocks; pistol grip standard; straight stocks scarcer and usually bring premium. Metal parts finished as follows: Frames and forend mounts casehardened; barrels blued or browned, and feature Damascus patterns of varying grades and qualities.
Serial numbered from 1, with the range 3057 to 4056 left out to suggest a higher production than actually made. Highest recorded number 8366. The serial is quickly located on the trigger guard tang. Barrel rib usually marked: COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.Marking of gauge on bottom of breech of barrels. Each side of frame may be marked: COLT. Usually engraved on bottom of frame is the inscription: PATENTED AUG. 22. SEP. 19. 1882.
Among finest quality