SOLD FOR: $2525

LSB#: 220519CG005

Make: Colt

Model: Diamondback Model D5521

Serial Number: D33917

Year of Manufacture: 1969 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .38 Special

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

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DIAMONDBACK / .38 SPECIAL CTG.”, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The side plate has Colt’s rampant logo, the left front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle. The crane and crane cut have the serial number and inspection marks.

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 notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with silver-colored Colt logo medallions. The grips have scattered light wear. There are some areas of thinning finish and a few spots of pooled finish. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. There are some light nicks and scratches, most notable on the left edges of the front sight and rib, behind the cylinder latch and behind the recoil shield on the right of the frame. The action has minor operational wear with a thin, incomplete turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine 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: None.

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 retains about 96% of its scarce nickel finish with wear consistent with infrequent use, though the grips have been refinished and show more wear than the high condition of the metal would indicate. 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. This could still make for a nice carry revolver today, more than 50 years after it was made, but the 2 1/2″ Diamondbacks are quite appealing to collectors and the nickel finish even more so. This will make a nice addition to a Colt serpent collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!