Page 412 - Auction84-Book1

SERIAL NUMBER 69 FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION
LOT 745
Excellent Documented Highly Desirable First Year 1955
Production Two Digit Serial Number “69” Colt Python Revolver with Factory Letter and Box - Serial no. 69, 357 magnum
cal., 6 inch vent rib bbl., blue finish, checkered walnut grips. This is one of only 300 Python revolvers manufactured in the first year of production. These revolvers
have come to symbolize the pinnacle of Colt’s masterfully crafted and tuned revolvers as well as being the last in a long line of truly hand-fitted double actions. Many firearms
enthusiasts and writers have described the Colt Python as “the finest production revolver
ever made”. The included factory letter lists this revolver as having a 6 inch barrel chambered
in 357 Magnum, royal blue finish and stocks not listed when shipped to Sharp Horsey
Hardware Company in Atlanta, Georgia on November 15, 1955. Features solid blade front
and adjustable rear sights. The left side of the barrel is marked “PYTHON .357/*.357 MAGNUM CTG.*”
and the right side is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. USA.” Fitted with checkered
walnut grips with gold Colt medallions. Includes Colt two-piece “woodgrain” box numbered to the
gun (taped label), warranty card, and “handling the handgun pamphlet.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% original blue finish with scattered light handling marks, back strap thinned to gray, and a light cylinder drag line. Grips are excellent with a few minor dings at the bottom and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Box is very good with storage and handling marks and wear as well as repaired corners.
Estimate: 18,000 - 25,000
LOT 746
Excellent First Year Production Three Digit Serial Number 170 Colt
Python Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 170,
357 magnum cal., 6 inch vent rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in early 1955, this
is one of only 300 Colt Python revolvers manufactured in the first year of production. These revolvers have come to symbolize the pinnacle of
Colt’s masterfully crafted and tuned revolvers as well as being the last in a long line of truly hand-fitted double actions. Many firearms enthusiasts and writers have described the Colt Python as “the finest production revolver ever made”. It
is fitted with a ramped blade front sight mounted on the matted vent rib and a frame mounted adjustable notch rear sight, grooved trigger, checkered hammer, and a pair of checkered grips with gold Colt medallions. Matching serial number “170” is on the yoke and crane, with “VP” and “J” on the left near the trigger guard. “AJC” is hand marked in red pencil on the interior of each grip panel. The included
factory letter confirms the current configuration, including the desirable early “Royal Blue” finish (grips not listed), as well as shipment to W.C. Landon & Co. in Rutland, Vermont on 14 November 1955.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% plus of the original Royal Blue finish with some scattered very light handling marks, a few spots of faint edge wear,
and a light cylinder drag line. The grips are exceptionally fine with a few scattered minor dings, a minor chip in the toe of each panel, and otherwise sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. First year production Colt Python revolvers are rarely offered in such excellent condition!
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
SERIAL NUMBER 170 FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION
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