Colt Python Serial #

[skootbug]

Back home folks and rechecked the Serial # on this unit. It is J 158 for sure and it is not a fake as might have been mentioned. I have attached photos of this Python and any further info would certainly be appreciated.

[thatguy]

According to RL Wilson's book, "Colt: An American Legend" the Python never used the letter J in its serial. The only letters used for Pythons were E, N, and V.

The Mark III series guns used the prefix and suffix letter J but they started with J 1001 in 1969. It seems J 158 was never used.

Something is wrong, here. Either this gun has a serial number it shouldn't have, not to mention one that apparently was never used, or Wilson is wrong, or some other problem I can't resolve.

You may have to request info from Colt and see what they have to say about this serial number.

BTW- The grips pictured are the early style used for a few years starting in 1955. Is the gun thought to be nearly 50 years old? The Python started at serial #1 (1 to 300 in 1st year, 1955). If it weren't for the J I'd say it was #158, half way through the 1st year of production. But the J is wrong.

[GUNKWAZY]

Pretty cool Skoot.
Interesting to say the least. That hammer almost looks like it does not have the same arc as the regular production Python (unless it's just the camera angle). It does still have the early full checkered grips. By the way, are the inside of the grips/stocks marked in any way ? The trigger shoe is interesting. Did you say that you are going to get the letter from Colt ? I wouldn't hesitate. I would be sure to do that.
That's well worth finding out the exact details. You've got quite an interesting Colt on your hands. Keep us posted as to the "Rest of the story" as they say.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

[skootbug]

Thanks Jeff,
The grips have a "J" over a "J" on the right lower bottom. I have not submitted the paperwork to Colt yet however I do have it and will keep you all informed.

[GUNKWAZY]

By the way Skoot...
Did Colt give you any explanation as to why the "J" ?


Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

[dfariswheel]

You very definitely have an EARLY Python.

A key indicator is the very early flat-leaf Accro rear sight.
The early production model Accro sights had a flat leaf with a rounded front end.
Later Accro's had a squared-off leaf, and the "hump" at the rear.
Apparently, Colt first considered the squared-off leaf, but went to the rounded leaf on the regular production guns.

Another thing to check is whether the lug under the barrel is hollow.
Early Pythons had the lug hollowed out to improve the balance, (which is also the reason for the vents in the rib).
Later production went to a solid lug.

A collector would offer a GOOD amount of money for this rare pre-production gun, especially considering it's history with the Chicago PD.

[skootbug]

Yes the tube is hollow for 3.5".

[thatguy]

I went back and read the original thread on this and I agree that the gun is an experimental model. Who knows how they arrived at the serial? It certainly had nothing to do with the serial numbering of the regular production guns. Maybe Colt reserved J 1 to J 1000 for pre-production pieces?

Get the letter.

If you want to sell a serious collector would be very interested. You might try to find JudgeColt for his input. He posts on the Smith-WessonForum.com among others and he knows Colts.

Too bad you don't have the box. I wonder what kind of box they would have put this in?

[skootbug]

Thanks. I really appreciate the information that this forum has provided.

[BluesBear]

Only the Colt historian will know for sure what's what with that gun.

I have a good friend in Colt customer service and according to the info they have at hand it doesn't exist. Since we have seen your photos we know it exists. So only the Colt archives know for sure. I'd get the factory letter before the price goes up. (hint, hint)

[skootbug]

Thanks Bear...it is in the mail today! Would it help to send photos and should I just get the basic research or the other add-ons?

[BluesBear]

Every penny you spend with Colt for documantation adds much more than what you paid for it to the collector value.

[Magnum88C]

Thanks Bear...it is in the mail today! Would it help to send photos and should I just get the basic research or the other add-ons?

Might be too late, but if I had a gun that everyone said didn't exist, I'd send pictures, ask for every "option" on the research, and overnight the request!

[skootbug]

Thanks....I included pictures in the package that I sent to Colt. I thought this might clear up some confusion also. Not knowing any better I just went for the $75 info package. I will hopefully hear something back from them midstream.