W. COLLATH - FRANKFURT/Oder CUSTOM HIGH-GRADE UNDERLEVER SHOTGUN EXTENSIVE GOLD INLAY • HORN FURNITURE • SERIAL 4733 12 GAUGE (COLLATH PROPRIETARY) •
Guns International #: 103443950 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antiques - Shotguns - German Double

Seller's Information
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Verified Seller
Seller: 2 Bear Arms
Company: 2 Bear Arms
Member Since: 11/12/24
State: Georgia
Zip: 30114
Country: United States
Phone: (678) 352-1720
Number of Active Listings: 3
Total Number of Listings: 5
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.

Payment Types Accepted: All major credit cards (NO CC FEE), Certified check and Money Orders.



Description:
W. COLLATH - FRANKFURT/ODER
CUSTOM HIGH-GRADE UNDERLEVER SHOTGUN
EXTENSIVE GOLD INLAY • HORN FURNITURE •

SERIAL 4733

12 GAUGE (COLLATH PROPRIETARY) • C. 1878-1886

A rare and exceptional early W. Collath underlever shotgun, serial number 4733, built during the 1878-1886 period when Collath produced some of his finest bespoke sporting arms. This example is a custom-ordered, high-grade gun featuring extensive gold inlay, horn furniture, and the classic Collath underlever action. Guns of this configuration are seldom encountered and represent the upper tier of Collath's craftsmanship.

FEATURES & CONFIGURATION
  • 12 Gauge (Collath proprietary chambering) not chambered for modern 12-gauge shells. Designed for Collath's early cartridge system.
  • Underlever action smooth operation with tight lockup; classic Collath mechanical design.
  • Damascus barrels, pattern is present but very subtle, consistent with original 19th-century Collath browning exhibits a warm brown tone in bright light.
  • Extensive gold inlay, including:
  • End of forearm
  • Sides of receiver
  • Bottom of receiver
  • Top of receiver
  • Tang
  • Breech end of barrels
  • Gold-inlaid "W. Collath" on rib
  • Gold monogram "ESY" in oval on top tang behind safety
  • Indicates a custom commission for an early owner.
  • Horn trigger guard, horn underlever, and horn buttplate all in excellent condition with no cracks - a hallmark of Collath's highest-grade work.
  • Clean, bright bores with no pitting
  • Action locks up tight and on-face
  • Mechanically excellent, crisp hammers and triggers
  • No engraving, as originally ordered — a rare minimalist luxury configuration emphasizing gold work and horn furniture.

ABOUT THE MAKER

Wilhelm Collath of Frankfurt/Oder was one of Germany's most innovative and artistic gunmakers of the late 19th century. Known for his proprietary ammunition systems, elegant underlever actions, and custom-ordered sporting guns, Collath produced firearms in small numbers for wealthy clients across Europe. High-grade Collath guns with extensive gold inlay and horn furniture are exceptionally scarce and highly sought after by collectors.

CONDITION

This shotgun remains in excellent antique condition, showing careful use and preservation.
The gold inlay is intact and bright, horn components are solid and well-fitted, and the Damascus barrels retain their original subtle finish. The action is tight, bores are clean, and all mechanical functions operate properly. A standout example of early German craftsmanship.

NOTES

As with all early Collath shotguns, this firearm uses a non-standard proprietary chambering and is not compatible with modern 12-gauge ammunition. A chamber cast is recommended for anyone intending to load custom black-powder cartridges.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

A rare, investment-grade W. Collath underlever shotgun with extensive gold inlay and horn furniture — features found only on Collath's highest-level custom commissions. This is an exceptional opportunity for collectors of German sporting arms, early underlever designs, or high-grade 19th-century European doubles.

 

Price: $4,500.00

Antique: Yes
Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: W. Collath