How do you establish the value of a collectible Colt Python 357 (TX)

[pinkandpacking]

I have a collectible Colt 357 Python, formerly owned by the late San Antonio musician "Wildman" Ray Liberto, whose sister Vivian was Johnny Cash's first wife. It is in near perfect condition, with one scratch and a tiny bit of what appears to be rust on the barrel, and I have a hand-written letter from "Wildman's" widow, Sammy "Judy" Liberto certifying it's authenticity and origins. It comes with a custom Python holster, also made by "Wildman," and was customized with a python skin handle. How is value established in general? How is value established for such a collectible? Short of going into many gun shops or shows, asking around, how can I know if someone is trying to get the best of me?

 

[rcmodel]

"Wildman" Ray Liberto who?

Unless it belonged to Elvis, or Johnny Cash himself, the changes made to it from stock, and rust, didn't increase the value any, and probably hurt it.

If it had belonged to a famous person, and enough folks collected memorabilia from that person, it could be quite valuable. (High demand)

But I doubt many folks collect items once owned by, or have even heard of "Wildman" Ray Liberto, Johnny Cash's late ex brother-in-law who isn't June Carters brother.

SO, demand would be very limited to the few folks that like the snake-skin grips & tie-down western fast-draw holster.

A Colt collector would probably pay more for an all original Python with the box & papers it came with.

rc

 

[mljdeckard]

I agree. Unless you find the ultimate Johnny Cash fan who ALSO happens to be a big Python collector, there is really nothing remarkable about this one.

 

[Guillermo]

that is a $600 gun. In fact I will take it. PM me.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

I have a Smiff & Western revolver that was once owned by the neighbor of the guy that once picked up Elvis' mothers garbage.

Just joking.

The only way to see what someone will pay would be to put it out at auction and let the buyers decide how much they are willing to pay. Put a high reserve on it if YOU feel it's worth a lot of money. I personally don't see it having any historical value as the owner was not a household name.
Just my 2 pesos.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[dagger dog]

Poking fun,

I bet he even had Python Fangs mounted as a hood ornament on his Caddy.

 

[rmfnla]

It's worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it, and not a penny more.

 

[Camjr]

Those are some of the ugliest grips I've ever seen, but the holster IS the ugliest holster I've ever seen.

Is the snakeskin just put over the original grips? I wonder if they're salvageable?

 

[tprice]

Tried googling "Ray Liberto," not much came up. A few movie roles, nothing in Wikipedia. As a "C-lister" at best, name will most likely not increase the value of the gun much.

The custom grip/holster of that type is not in demand right now. Most gun collectors want the piece as close to original as possible, without modification.

In the end, I would price the gun based on year, model, condition and without original grips. The holster isn't worth anything unfortunately.

If it were Johnny Cash's revolver, that would be a huge change in price for the package. I would consider using Colt's historian to research the gun for you - for $75 they can tell you who the original purchaser of the gun was and what modifications were ordered. If it was shipped directly to someone famous, or the python skin grip was done at the factory, it would be worth considerably more.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

I would consider using Colt's historian to research the gun for you - for $75 they can tell you who the original purchaser of the gun was and what modifications were ordered. If it was shipped directly to someone famous, or the python skin grip was done at the factory, it would be worth considerably more.

I would save my money on the letter. Most of the time the gun was shipped to a distributor and unless the original owner was one (which I highly doubt) It would not show it being shipped to him.
FYI: Those grips ARE NOT and never were offered through Colt or the custom shop, so that won't be mentioned either.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[icanthitabarn]

Poor guy will never be back. I think it's kinda cool package, in a way. Take it out in public? maybe not.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

that is a $600 gun. In fact I will take it. PM me.

haha
Guillermo knows what up.

 

[GeezerwithGuns]

If you have the original grips - put them on it and it's worth $200 more. Those grips are, no offense, simply hideous.

 

[rmfnla]

Looks like something a South American drug lord would carry.

 

[goodtime]

I bet that scaly leather provides a good grip in the hand.

 

[AH-1]

this is how you buy pythons.

 

[Guillermo]

Guillermo knows what up

it is the Christmas Season and obviously the poor guy needs a hand. I am happy to help.