Lot #1780
Lot #1782

Lot 1781: Pair of Colt Python Revolvers Attributed to a Texas Ranger

Cased Pair of Colt Python Double Action Revolvers Documented to Famous Texas Ranger Captain "Jay" Banks with Holster Rig

Auction Date: June 6, 2020

Lot 1781: Pair of Colt Python Revolvers Attributed to a Texas Ranger

Cased Pair of Colt Python Double Action Revolvers Documented to Famous Texas Ranger Captain "Jay" Banks with Holster Rig

Auction Date: June 6, 2020

Estimated Price: $4,000 - $6,000
Price Realized:

A) Colt Python Double Action Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Python
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 357 magnum
Barrel: 4 inch vent rib
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 2733
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 462
Class: Modern Handgun
Description:

These two Colt Python revolvers are documented as belonging to Texas Ranger Captain E. J. "Jay" Banks. Banks became a Texas Ranger in 1947 after previous work in local, county, and state law enforcement. In 1950 he, along with other Rangers, are credited with apprehending the notorious Los Angeles-based gangster Meyer Harris "Mickey" Cohen in the Kemp Hotel in Wichita Falls, Texas, "escorting" him to a plane out of Texas, and "advising" him to never return. Banks was also involved in bringing the notorious killers Gene Paul Norris and Bill Humphrey to justice in 1957 after a high speed chase and shootout which ended in the deaths of both Norris and Humphrey. Both of these Colt Python revolvers were manufactured in 1982 and have standard markings and features. Included with the lot is a Texas Rangers badge marked "JAY BANKS/CAPT. CO. B./TEXAS RANGERS", a notarized letter signed by Banks stating the badge was worn by him, a copy of "Legend in Bronze: The Biography of Jay Banks" by Susie Mills which is signed by Jay Banks, an El Paso Saddlery Co. floral tooled leather gunbelt with two Python holsters and silver engraved hardware, a notarized letter signed by Banks listing the revolvers by serial number and stating that the revolvers belonged to him, and a Colt hardwood case that holds both revolvers with a presentation plaque on the lid to the Ranger. Banks was the Ranger chosen as the model for the "One Riot One Ranger" statue in Love Field in Dallas. For more information: https://www.dallas-lovefield.com/passenger-services/art-program/public-art/permanent-artwork/spirit-of-flight.

Rating Definition:

Very fine, retains 98% professionally refinished blue finish with a few scattered light handling marks and a light cylinder drag line. The grips are also excellent with minimal handling marks and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The gunbelt is very fine with some light wear. The case is very fine with a few scattered light handling/storage marks.



B) Colt Python Double Action Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Python
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 357 magnum
Barrel: 4 inch vent rib
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 2733
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 462
Class: Modern Handgun
Description:

See "A".

Rating Definition:

Very fine, retains 97% original blue finish with some scattered light handling marks, a series of minor scratches on the right at the muzzle, and a light cylinder drag line. The grips are excellent with minimal handling evidence and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.



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