1st Year Colt Diamondback 2 1/2″ .38 Special Revolver & Letter, 1966 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,737.00

LSB#: WY241106CG001

Make: Colt

Model: Diamondback Model D5520

Serial Number: D1146

Year of Manufacture: 1966

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.

Barrel Length: 2 1/2’” with Full Underlug & Ventilated Rib

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a finely serrated ramp blade that is integral to the ventilated rib; the rib is matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with silver-colored Colt logo medallions. There are small losses at the bottom-front corner of the left panel and the bottom-rear corner of the right panel. There is a cluster of nicks on the bottom face toward the rear. There are some other scattered minor marks. The checkering is well defined. The grips rate in Good-Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. The balance is mostly in minor surface oxidation, primarily in the grip straps and around one cylinder flute. There are some other scattered minor nicks and small scratches. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots, there are tool marks at the front sideplate screw. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Colt Archives letter that indicates this revolver shipped in its current configuration to Bullseye Inc. in Miami, FL on October 11, 1966 as one of three guns of the same type in the shipment.

Our Assessment: The Diamondback is essentially a shorter framed Python both in the cylinder and grip frame, sharing similar aesthetic dynamics and is no less striking in appearance and mechanics than its predecessor. This revolver is a very early example, among the first thousand produced in the Diamondback’s first year, 1966. It retains about 90% of its finish with wear consistent with storage and infrequent use. The ‘positive lock’ action provides SOLID cylinder lockup, with smooth double and single action trigger pulls. Those familiar with the Python line understand the accuracy these revolvers are capable of, this one should prove to be no different. While most of Colt’s Serpent revolvers are collectible and all appear to be appreciating in value, this could still make for a nice carry revolver today, more than 50 years after it was made. Please see our pictures and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud  

1st Year Colt Diamondback 2 1/2" .38 Special Revolver & Letter, 1966 C&R
1st Year Colt Diamondback 2 1/2″ .38 Special Revolver & Letter, 1966 C&R