Here is a 1960 Colt 357 that I had discovered several years ago. I got it from the owner of a highly respected collectible gun shop as he had bought it new way back then....and this is the only engraved model 357 that I had ever seen nor heard of! The 357 was discontinued in 1961. This was because Colt had introduced their Python in 1955....but what most people don't know is the fact that the Colt Model 357 was actually Colts premium revolver prior to the Python (Introduced 1953) as it was built by the same master craftsmen who had built their Python....therefore to create the Python all Colt had to do was to add their new full lug Python barrel and their highly polished and beautiful Royal Blue finish...this was because the mechanicals were exactly the same as the Pythons (Hand fitted)....thus is the reason the Model 357 had been termed a pre-Python. However in later years Colt enthusiasts often would bypass a Colt 357 at a gun show because at a glance they just supposed the gun was a Trooper! Myself I like the simple engraving and am proud of the fact that this 357 was unfired!
