Colt Python Model Blue 4″ .357 Magnum Double Action Revolver & Box 1969 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2650
LSB#: 230114VI006
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: E1934
Date of Manufacture: 1969 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum and .38 Special
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. *”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The flat under the crane and the crane are marked “E1934”. The sideplate is marked with a “Rampant Colt” logo. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with “A”.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 4”.
Sights/Optics: The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a serrated ramp painted red pinned to the top of the rib. 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 with gold-colored Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have a few scattered light nicks and compressions. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but there’s a bit of minor stubborn fouling at the throat. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates an 8 out of 10!
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its finish. On theright side of the frame, just above the trigger, there is a spot of moderate finish loss, accounting for the worst of the wear on this revolver, which otherwise has just a few scattered minor nicks and bits of minor edge thinning. The action has light operational wear including a thin, faint turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with a strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock-up on this revolver 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. This revolver has a wide target style hammer and a serrated trigger.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver will ship in a serial-matching factory box.
Our Assessment: In 1955, the United States launched the first nuclear powered submarine, Dick Powell’s The Conquerer, starring John Wayne, was filmed near a Nevada nuclear testing site, 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 shows both cosmetically and in operation. With barrel lengths ranging from 2.5? to 8? 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 being made, at least not like this, so the price for these fantastic weapons are just going to continue to appreciate. The revolvers by themselves are becoming harder and harder to find, making it difficult to bring oneself to actually fire a Python. This revolver is a 4? example from 1969 which appears to have seen moderate use over the last 54 years with about 95% of its metal finish remaining, a good bore and strong mechanics. With the included serial-matching box, this Python is sure to attract collectors. Now, ready, aim, bid!
—Rick
