Hammer shotgun manufactured in 1888. Barrels are 30"" choked full and modified. Bores are excellent and mirror bright. Chambers are 2 1/2"". Breech shoulders, bottom of frame, trigger guard, break open lever and hammers are scroll and tendril motif engraved. The side lock on the right side has the scroll and tendril work and depict two partridges in a grassy area. The left side lock has two hunting dogs on the run, one being a pointer with tail on point and a springer spaniel. Engraving is very expertly done. Literature reveals that the famous engraver Eugene Young, the son of the renown Gustave Young, engraved 300 of the Colt double barrel hammer guns (which were model 1878s). The damascus pattern on the barrels is excellent and vivid with no dents or abrasions. The stock is Circassian walnut. The forend and pistol grip have excellent checkering. Original factory butt plate has the rampant Colt in an oval, no chips or cracks. The is an excellent 1878 model that has seen little or no use. An outstanding example.