Floyd Warren Custom Engraved Colt Python, Blue 4 INCH .357 Magnum Revolver, MFD 1962 C&R
SOLD FOR: $5,585
LSB#: 200603HE01
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: 22052
Date of Manufacture: 1962 ( bhttps://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “PYTHON .357 / * .357 MAGNUM CTG. *”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The flat under the crane and the crane are marked with the serial number. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with “V”. The revolver has extensive relief engraving with a floral pattern, punch-dot fill in the negative spaces, factory markings cleverly included in the pattern, the rampant colt on the sideplate done in molded gold and incorporated into a field scene, a modled gold panther scene on the right of the frame behind the cylinder, gold borders on the cylinder at the rear, the front and rear of the barrel and the sides of the vent-rib, and gold centers on the flowers engraved on each side of the frame between the barrel and cylinder. The sideplate is signed “ENGR’VD BY F.E. WARREN / -1962-“, concealed by the grips when installed.
Barrel Length: 4″ vent rib barrel with full underlug.
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a serrated ramp blade pinned to the top of the rib. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have only a few scattered minor marks, most notable a small nick on the left panel above the medallion. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished at the time of engraving.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its current metal finish. There are a few light marks in the matte finish on the top. The cylinder has minor turn-wear, mostly in the lead-in grooves. The hammer shows minor operational wear. The screew heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear with nice detail in the scenes and engraving pattern. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when the trigger is depressed. The action functions correctly. The double action trigger is smooth. The single action is crisp. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955, the same year as Smith & Wesson’s M29 .44 Magnum. The now discontinued Python targeted the premium revolver market, and some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper and Ian V. Hogg have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made. We tend to agree, and this is an absolutely gorgeous example. In 1962 Master Engraver Floyd Warren applied beautiful relief engraving to this revolver with a floral pattern, gold borders on the cylinder and barrel, and molded gold animal scenes on the sides with the sideplate’s rampant colt cleverly included in the scene. All Python revolvers are desireable for the quality of their manufacture and design, but this example is now also a wonderful piece of American art. Please see our photos and good luck!