Manufactured at the very beginning of 1956. Serial records (as related by R.L. Wilson in his "Dates of Manufacture" booklet) indicate that serial number "300" was the first to be recorded, which would make this revolver the second off the assembly line during the Python's second complete year of production. Long regarded as the "Cadillac" of contemporary American revolvers, the Python has earned itself a place in the history of firearms, as well as the seemingly unending affection of both collectors and shooters. Pinned serrated ramp blade front and fully adjustable rear notch sights, standard barrel legend, matte finished barrel and frame top, wide borderless checkered hammer, 7 groove serrated back strap and a pair of checkered medallion grips. Of particular note among the features is the counter-bored ejector shroud; intended to influence the overall balance of the piece, this feature is only seen on the earliest Pythons. Included with the lot is a Colt "wood grain" box with a proper black on yellow end label, a matching number on the underside, and the following papers: "Handling the Handgun", "Shooting Suggestions", "Special Instructions" and an unmarked warranty card.

Excellent, with 97% plus bright original high polish blue finish, showing some minor edge wear, a thin, straight drag line and a few light scratches and minor handling marks overall. The grips are also excellent, with some light rubs and dings on the underside, along with some dark spots on the medallions. The reproduction box is good, with mild wear concentrated around the edges and in the area of the serial number, along with some minor stains. Mechanically, it's everything you'd expect from a Python: excellent. A very early Colt Python in a level of finish that would be nearly impossible to beat.