Restoration Report

1. Object Identification

2. Photo Documentation

3. Condition Prior to Treatment

When received for restoration, Colt 1883 serial number 2015 was structurally sound in its barrels and action but incomplete and cosmetically tired. The original buttstock and factory hard rubber buttplate were missing, and the trigger guard and lower tang assembly had been replaced at some point with non original parts. The Damascus barrel finish was extremely thin, with most of the original browning gone, and the frame and furniture had softened to a silver gray state with only traces of case color remaining. Internally, the mechanism functioned but clearly needed a full cleaning, lubrication and inspection before it could be considered ready for use.

• Original buttstock and factory hard rubber buttplate absent.
• Trigger guard and lower tang assembly replaced with non original parts.
• Damascus barrel finish very thin, with roughly ninety percent of the original browning worn away.
• Frame and furniture in a silver gray state with softened case colors and light surface wear.
• Internal parts functional but in need of cleaning, lubrication and inspection for wear.

4. Conservation Objectives

The following goals guided the conservation and restoration approach:

• Return the shotgun to a complete and mechanically safe configuration using historically appropriate materials.
• Refinish the Damascus barrels and metal surfaces in a way that respects the original Colt appearance without making the gun look modern or over restored.
• Preserve all original factory markings, serial numbers and engraving, avoiding aggressive polishing or reshaping.
• Document all replacement components and work performed so that future owners can distinguish original fabric from restored elements.

5. Treatment Summary

Restoration work on serial number 2015 was carried out by Mick Crowder of Classic Firearms Restorations (cosmetic and metalwork) with final mechanical inspection and test firing by Tim Crowder of Iron Will Armory LLC. Missing furniture was replaced with a new walnut buttstock patterned after original Colt dimensions, a reproduction Colt style buttplate, and a period compatible trigger guard adapted from a Belgian double. The Damascus barrels were carefully re browned using a traditional multi step rust process so that the pattern shows through without appearing overly bright. The action was cleaned and tuned, markings and light factory engraving were preserved, and the shotgun was function tested with low pressure loads suitable for black powder era doubles.

6. Detailed Treatment Steps

1. Initial inspection and disassembly: The shotgun was fully inspected, photographed and disassembled. Serial numbers, patent dates and rib markings were recorded. Original forend and barrels were retained, while the non original buttstock and guard were evaluated and removed.
2. Preparation of Damascus barrels: The Damascus barrels were draw filed and hand carded only enough to remove active oxidation and old finish while preserving the underlying pattern and rib inscriptions. Bores were cleaned and checked for integrity.
3. Traditional barrel re browning: The barrels underwent a controlled rust brown process, with repeated cycles of solution application, slow rust formation, boiling and carding, until a rich brown black finish developed. The goal was a mellow, period correct tone that allowed the Damascus figure to remain visible without looking newly etched.
4. Action and furniture cleaning: The frame and small parts were degreased, lightly cleaned and given a uniform gray finish that respects the worn case hardening without attempting to recreate bright modern colors. Screws were dressed and timed so their slots align, and existing light scroll engraving was protected during all handling.
5. Replacement buttstock fabrication: A new walnut buttstock was inletted to the action using an original pattern for Colt 1883 stocks as a guide. The wrist, comb and grip profile were shaped to match factory lines. The stock was then finished with a hand rubbed oil finish similar to nineteenth century practice, producing a warm satin sheen.
6. Buttplate and trigger guard fitting: A reproduction Colt style buttplate was fitted and blended to the new stock. A period Belgian trigger guard, closely matching Colt dimensions, was inlet and drilled to align with the frame and trigger pins. Its finish was toned to match the surrounding metal so it reads as appropriate to the gun while remaining a documented replacement.
7. Reassembly and mechanical tuning: The shotgun was reassembled and the locking bolt, top lever, safety and sears were checked for proper engagement. Any weak springs or worn pins were replaced as needed. Final mechanical work and safety inspection were performed by Iron Will Armory, followed by test firing with low pressure shells suitable for Damascus barrels.

7. Results & Findings

The completed restoration returns Colt 1883 serial number 2015 to a visually attractive and mechanically sound state while making no attempt to disguise its age. The barrels now carry a consistent brown finish that shows the Damascus pattern without harsh contrast. The new stock and buttplate follow Colt factory lines closely enough that the gun reads as a complete 1880s sporting arm at a glance, but the perfect buttplate and crisp wood are subtle clues of sympathetic restoration rather than untouched originality.

• Shotgun is once again complete with correct style stock, guard and buttplate, all documented as replacements.
• Damascus barrels present with a stable, period appropriate re browned finish and clear rib markings.
• Action locks up tightly, safety and triggers function correctly, and the gun has been test fired on suitable low pressure loads.
• All factory markings, serial numbers and light engraving remain intact, preserving the gun’s historical identity.