Factory E-Nickel Colt Python .357 Magnum mag DA Double Action Electroless Nickel Revolver & Box

SOLD FOR: $4,524
Make: 
Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: K70357
Date of Manufacture: 1980s
Caliber: .38 Special and .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*” and the right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” The crane cut and the crane are marked “K70357”. There is a Rampant Colt on the left side plate; the “VP” proof mark in on the top front of the trigger guard’s left side and a “6” at its top rear. The left side of the grip frame is marked “J / A” and the right side is marked “5”.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 6”.
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a square notched rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation. The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with an orange insert. The sight is pinned to a ventilated rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are factory Pachmayr Presentation, which we understand originally came on this gun. The grips are oversized checkered rubber, marked “COLT 1 FRAME / CI / LARGE GRIP 3” on the insides. Gold Colt medallions are in both panels. There is practically no wear worthy of mention on these panels. The checkering is sharp and without flaws. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Electroless Nickel
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion but some light fouling.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish. There is some light wear on both sides of the muzzle and a very faint cylinder drag line. This finish is unaffected by the oversized panels and the metal looks exactly the same beneath as it does on the exterior. The knurling on the ejector rod and the checkering on the hammer are sharp. The screw heads all sharp with almost no wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The lock-up on this revolver is PERFECT, with no play. The trigger is Extremely smooth in double action and crisp and light in single action. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in the original factory box. The box has a cardboard sleeve with a dark brown finish marked “COLT” on the top with gold colored letters. The sleeve shows light surface loss on the edges with minor fraying at the corners. The box is white Styrofoam that is fitted for this revolver plus accessories. The Styrofoam is intact with only light discoloration from oil. Overall, the box and sleeve are in Fine condition. The factory label is still attached to the end label, confirming all features of this revolver – INCLUDING THE FACTORY E-NICKEL. It is correctly marked for the make, model, finish, barrel length, caliber and serial number of this revolver. Also included is the manual, service stations, NRA card, one-year service agreement and the Colt Companion, all in fine condition.
Our Assessment: The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955, the same year as Smith & Wesson’s M29 .44 Magnum. The now-discontinued from regular production Python targeted the premium revolver market segment. Some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper and Ian V. Hogg have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made. If this revolver is any example, they were certainly right! The tight lockup, smooth action and heavy barrel make this a perfect choice for the competition revolver shooter but this particular gun will go to a collector and not a shooter… E-nickel guns are very rare and notoriously difficult to confirm finish originality. We have even seen known factory e-nickel guns come back lettered from the factory as “blued”. This gun is special and leaves no doubt that it is factory E-nickel – what an amazing and rare find!

Factory E-Nickel Colt Python .357 Magnum mag DA Double Action Electroless Nickel Revolver & Box
Factory E-Nickel Colt Python .357 Magnum mag DA Double Action Electroless Nickel Revolver & Box