Colt Diamondback Model D5540 Blue 4″ .38 Special SA/DA Revolver, 1967 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,551.00
WOA#: WY240324DH005
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback
Serial Number: D5357
Year of Manufacture: 1967 (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 CT. 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.
Barrel Length: 4’” 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 notched leaf in a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with silver-colored Colt logo medallions. The grips have light handling wear. There are some nicks and scratches, mostly on the rear and bottom. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The grips rate in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges, more notable at the muzzle and the front edges of the cylinder. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good-plus 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: This revolver comes with a two-piece faux-wood cardboard Colt box with model-matching label and a non-matching serial number written on the bottom of the tray.
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 95% of its finish with wear consistent with responsible use over the last 57 years. This will make for a good shooter or addition to a Colt collection. Those familiar with the Python line understand the accuracy these revolvers are capable of, this one should prove to be no different. With its early production, it should also be a pleasing find for the collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
