German Proof COLT Python .357 Magnum DA/SA Double Action Revolver 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2100
LSB#: 220519CG007
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: E29018
Date of Manufacture: 1971 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with “PYTHON .357 / * .357 MAGNUM CTG. *” and an eagle over “N” proof mark. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.”. The crane cut is import-marked “TAI MINOT, ND”. BElow that is the serial number, “E29018” over “Y”. The crane is marked again with serial number, “E29018”. The left side of the frame is marked with a series of German proofs: the eagle over “N” proof mark is the Ulm proof house’s definitive nitro proof; the crosshatched shield of the Munich proof house; a shield declaring the year of proofing, in this case the same year as manufacture, 1971. The wide plate is marked with a “Rampant Colt”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with another German proof over “VP” in a triangle; the rear is marked with “J”.
Barrel Length: 6” with full-length vent rib and underlug.
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp and is pinned to the top of the rib. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte black finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut each with a Gold Rampant Colt medallion. The grips are free of any notable wear or damage. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 96% of its finish. There is minor holster wear on either side of the barrel at the tip. Minor nicks, very few through the finish, dot the barrel down its length. Minor finish loss can be seen where the German proofs disrupt the metal. Upper areas of the back strap have a few light nicks through the finish. There is a dot-line-dot pattern turn line running the circumference of the cylinder. The markings are clear. Pinsa and controls are undamaged. Screws are sharp. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock-up is solid with no play when the trigger is depressed. The trigger is smooth in double action, and crisp in single action. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: In 1955, the United States launched the first nuclear-powered submarine, West Germany joined NATO, PErez Prado’s “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White” was the top song in the US, and Colt began shipping the finest precision combat and target revolver ever made. Each revolver was hand-tuned at the factory and this attention to detail is exemplified both cosmetically and in operation. With barrel lengths ranging from 2.5? to 8? (this fine example is 6”) and with some of the finest machining and finishing ever seen in the industry, the Python has earned its reputation and continues to be sought after to this day. The Colt Python revolvers are no longer made like the originals, so the price for these fantastic weapons are just going to continue to appreciate. This blued revolver was made in 1971, and is notable for being a more rare German export version. German proofs dot the left side of the revolver, one indicating the year of import into Germany as 1971, and an import mark on the crane cut indicates that TAI—The Attic, Inc. of Minot, ND—imported this revolver back to the US at a later date. Rather unusual all around, and for a globe-trotting gun, there is very little wear outside the usual holster wear and indications of handling! Good luck and happy bidding!