US Bicentennial Cased Colt Set Python, Single Action Army & Dragoon Revolvers C&R
LSB#: 140331BC01, 140331BC02, 140331BC03
Make: Colt
Model: US Bicentennial 3 gun Set: Colt Dragoon, Python, Single Action Army
Serial Numbers: See Below
Dragoon: 1635DG
Single Action Army: 1635PM
Python: 1635PY
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Caliber: See Below
Dragoon: .44 Percussion
Single Action Army: .45 Colt
Python: .357 Magnum
Action Types: See Below
Dragoon: Single Action Cap and Ball Revolver
Single Action Army: Single Action Cartridge Revolver with Side Loading-Gate Cylinder
Python: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: See Below
Dragoon: The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY” and the left side of the barrel is marked “1776 – U.S.A. BICENTENNIAL – 1976”. The left side of the frame is marked “COLTS PATENT”. The cylinder is beautifully marked with the original roll scene. The serial number is found on the cylinder, back strap, trigger guard, loading assembly and barrel assembly.
Single Action Army: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the barrel is marked “1776 – U.S.A. BICENTENNIAL – 1976”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY”. The cylinder is unfluted and marked in a flag motif. The serial number is on the underside of the frame.
Python: The left side of the barrel is marked “1776 – U.S.A. BICENTENNIAL – 1976”. The right side of the barrel is marked “PYTHON 357 / 357 MAGNUM CTG. / COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” The Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is marked with images of US Landmarks and mottos.
Barrel Length: See Below
Dragoon: 7 ½”
Single Action Army: 7 ½”
Python: 6″
Sights / Optics: See Below
Dragoon: The front sight is a fixed silver blade. The rear sight is a notch in the hammer.
Single Action Army: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a notch in the top strap.
Python: The front sight is a pinned and serrated ramp. The rear sight is a “U” notch adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: See Below
Dragoon: The one piece grip is dark walnut with a Presidential Seal on the left panel. There is no wear whatsoever on the panels and just a mark or two from storage. The grip rates in about Excellent and Near New in Box overall condition.
Single Action Army: The one piece grip is dark walnut with a Presidential Seal on the left panel. There is no wear whatsoever on the panels and just a mark or two from storage. The grip rates in about Excellent and Near New in Box overall condition.
Python: The two piece grips are dark walnut with a Presidential Seal on the left panel. There is no wear whatsoever on the panels and just a mark or two from storage. The grips rate in about Excellent and Near New in Box overall condition.
Type of Finish: Dragoon: Blue, Case Color & Silver Plate
Single Action Army: Blue & Case Color
Python: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bores are unfired and have been well oiled.
Overall Condition: These handguns are apparently unturned. There is no firing wear whatsoever and only a mark or two from the storage boxes could be found between the guns. They have been zip-tied since purchase according to our consignor and the zip-ties remain. We cleaned off the original factory packing oil film. The screw heads are unturned. The markings are crisp. Overall, these handguns rate in about Excellent and Near New condition.
Mechanics: The actions are and remain unturned.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: All three guns have the original bags, Styrofoam inserts and wood grain sleeves. The sleeves are taped and a bit tattered. Three “Handling The Handgun” brochures are included, one Disclaimer, one Warranty Stations Pamphlet, one Python Manual and one pre-addressed envelope to the Colt Commemorative Gun Collector’s Association of America and one Flyer for a hunting magazine.
The Original Factory Wood Three-Drawer case is included. Each drawer is velvet lined and locks. Two Keys are provided. Also in the case is a leather bound book, marked “ARMSMEAR” on the spine. This book is “The Home, the Arm, and the Armory of Samuel Colt. A Memorial.” The case is near new with only one sizeable scratch on the top right edge, towards the rear.
All of this comes in the original large cardboard shipping box, which remains sound though it shows its age.
Our Assessment: This may be the most important set for Colt collectors produced. The set encompasses the three quintessential firearms from three generations of Colt revolvers. The Dragoon was designed as a solution to numerous problems encountered with the Walker Colt. Although it was introduced after the Mexican-American War, it became popular among civilians during the 1850s and 1860s, and was also used during the American Civil War. It was the first of the heavy hitting revolvers that became practical for military use. The Colt Single Action Army represents not only a generation of Colt Production, but an Era of American History. The Colt helped tame the West and the 7 ½”.45 LC SAA is a gun that elicits feelings of the Old West upon sight. The Python was the next generation. This gun shows the finest of Colt’s Modern Double Action Revolver design and manufacturing. The Colt Python is desirable. It was first introduced in 1955, the same year as Smith & Wesson’s M29 .44 Magnum. The now discontinued Colt Python targeted the premium revolver market segment. Some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper, Ian V. Hogg, Chuck Hawks, Leroy Thompson, Renee Smeets and Martin Dougherty have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made.
This set commemorates not only Colt’s production but the free country that allows the existence of firearms manufacturing and private ownership. It was only befitting to produce a set in the finest of quality and of the finest revolvers to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the United States.
This set is rare and mint. It would be difficult to improve on and is what every Colt collector desires.
