Value of Colt 1878 Double Hammer Shotgun?

[MrBrian]

I recently purchased a Colt 1878 Double Hammer shotgun, and I think I got a good deal, but I'm not sure how to appraise the condition/value of it. I won't tell the serial number, but it is all matching and dates it to 1880. Here are some pictures.

[MrBrian]

Anybody?

[Garufa]

Don't shoot it with smokeless powder loads as it has damascus barrels.

The 31st edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values (2010, for what it's worth) ranges from $3,750 for 100% condition to $725 for 10%. Take it from there.

[Will H]

No idea on value, but wanted to say Damn, that thing is beautiful!

[Guest pfries]

From your pics looks 85% or better to me hows the barrel and insides?

Absolutely gorgeous

[MrBrian]

It's hard to take pictures of the inside of the barrels, but here they are... I think they're pretty good

I don't know alot about grading guns, but from examples that I've seen, the overall gun is probably considered between 30-40% even though it does look this good.... it's far from mint... so I'm guessing the vaule is around 1200-1500 but that's just my guess... I sure wouldn't mind if it was considered 85% cause then it would be around $3,000... and I paid nowhere near that!

[Ramjo]

Mr. Brian, pm sent.

[MrBrian]

Does anyone have suggestions on how to insure antique firearms? Is it better to list them under firearms, antiques, or both? That's one of the main reasons I was trying to figure out the value of this gun... My current homeowners policy just covers up to 2500 total for firearms

[Dolomite_supafly]

There is firearms insurance available through the NRA.

Dolomite

[Guest GunTroll]

Looks way better than some of the other SxS exposed hammers I have been seeing as of late. Some of the stuff that I get looks like it has been stored in a tobacco barn for many decades. And then they want me to make it look like new.... .

Nice find!