Hammerless Model 1883 ranks among the best grade doubles produced in the entire American arms trade. The limited number completed and the great pains devoted to handling specific orders from often fussy shooters means that a considerable degree of quality and variety is evident in the Model 1883 series. A review of Colt factory serial ledgers shows the exhaustive attention devoted to this pride of the Colt line.
Major variations are:
Standard model, with light engraving, and average checkering; in either 10 or 12 gauge:
5B-263
| 5B-263 | Values—Very Good $600 | Exc. $1,500 |
Finer, Fancier Damascus patterns on barrels; scroll engraved designs on frame:
| 5B-263.5 | Values—Very Good $750 | Exc. $2,250 |
Fanciest grade in which greatest variations in quality observed. Elaborate engraving, often with game scenes; delicate Damascus barrel patterns. Values shown for average specimens, exceptional examples worth premiums:
| 5B-264 | Values—Very Good $1,000 | Exc. $4,750 |
(Note: Colt factory ledgers are complete on the Model 1883 shotgun, and supply exhaustive details.)
Colt Double Barrel Rifle
5B-265
Double Barrel Rifle. Made c. 1879-85; total quantity of about 35. One of the great rarities of Colt collecting.
Calibers are variations of the 45-70. Side by side barrels; sidelocks. Standard barrel length at 28". Double triggers.
Oil stained or varnished checkered walnut stocks. Metal parts finished as follows: Locks, breech, and forend mounts casehardened; barrels blued or browned; balance of metal parts usually blued.
Serial numbering from 1 on up; marked in various locations, but immediately located on trigger guard tang. Two numbers from the Model 1878 Shotgun group were 293 and 397. On the barrel rib: COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.On lockplates: COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO.
One of the ultra-rarities in Colts, the Double Rifle has a unique appeal to the collector because it was the brainchild of Caldwell Hart Colt, the playboy son of Samuel Colt. Caldwell was an avid gun enthusiast, and maintained a collection at the family home, Armsmear. The major share of Double Rifle production is believed to have been for Caldwell and his friends. This model is not to be confused with the Model 1878 Hammer Shotgun, a few specimens of which have been altered spuriously into double rifles. The Colt Double Rifle is a prize for the advanced collector:
| 5B-265 | Values—Very Good $10,000 | Exc. $27,500 |
Colt-Burgess Lever Action Rifle
Colt-Burgess Lever Action Rifle. Made 1883-85; the total production 6,403.
44-40 caliber. 15-shot magazine and 25-1/2" barrel (rifle), and 12-shot magazine—20" barrel (carbine).
Oil stained walnut stocks. Metal parts blued (barrel and magazine tube occasionally browned); casehardened frames rare, worth premium; the hammer and lever casehardened.
Serial numbering from 1 on up to 6403. Colt company name and Hartford address marking on top of the barrel, accompanied by patent dates from 1873 to 1882. On bottom of the lever: +BURGESS’S PATENTS+.
The only lever action firearm made in any quantity in Colt’s history, the Burgess was part of the company’s attempt to offer shooters a broad range of hand and long guns. According to tradition, and generally considered to be a factual story, the Winchester factory responded to the Colt-Burgess with a showing of revolving handguns that just might go into production—if Colt continued manufacture of their new lever action! After what must have been considerable expense of tooling up, Colt’s suddenly discontinued the Burgess, and today specimens are justifiably prized by collectors. Only a few have survived in fine condition, and the total production run was quite limited. Breakdown was 2,593 carbines and 3,810 rifles.
Major variations are:
Standard model rifle, 25-1/2" barrel, full magazine, blued and casehardened finish (some barrels browned); octagonal barrel; 2,556 made of which 35 had part octagonal, part round barrels; very rare, worth premium:
5B-266
| 5B-266 | Values—Good $950 | Fine $4,750 |
Same as above, but with round barrel (1,219 made):
| 5B-267 | Values—Good $1,000 | Fine $4,750 |
Standard model carbine, 20" barrel, full magazine, blued and casehardened finish (1621 made):
| 5B-268 | Values—Good $1,500 | Fine $5,250 |
Baby Carbine, with lightened frame and barrel; identified in Colt factory ledgers (972 made):
| 5B-269 | Values—Good $1,750 | Fine $6,000 |
Colt Lightning Slide Action, Small Frame
Lightning Model Slide Action Rifle, Small Frame. Produced 1887-1904; the total quantity 89,912. Under serial number 35,300 (approx.) made prior to Dec. 31, 1898.
22 caliber short and long rimfire. 24" barrel the standard length. Factory records indicate special order lengths 9-1/2 inches to 24 inches were also made (and should be verified before acquiring).
Oil-stained walnut stocks; either plain or checkered. Metal parts blued; hammer casehardened.
Serial numbered from 1 on up to 89912. On the barrel the Colt company name and Hartford address marking, with patent dates from 1883 to 1887. Caliber marking on the barrel at breech.
In the Small Frame, 22 caliber slide action rifle, Colt’s made a Lightning Model designed for small game shooting and “plinking,” the first gun of its kind in the factory’s history. Like the Medium Frame Lightning, the 22 was so well constructed that at this writing some specimens are still in