Need advice fast: Colt Python rosewood grips

[Monkeyleg]

Several years ago, I bought a set of Colt custom shop Python rosewood grips. I know the dealer who sold them to me very well, and trust him 100%.

He bought the grips from the Colt custom shop in the late 1970's or so. They have never been installed on a gun. They are absolutely brand new.

They have the gold Colt medallion on them, and are fully checkered, just like the factory walnut grips. The only difference between the rosewood grips and the walnut grips is that the rosewood is darker in color. And they're not the laminated "rosewood" grips that were on the late-model Python's. These grips are real rosewood. From what I understand, the custom shop only produced a few of these sets of grips.

I paid $75 for these back around 2001 or so, when the dealer had transferred in a nickle Python for me. But the grips don't look good on a nickle Python. On a blued one they look great.

I need to unload something quickly to get my wife an extra wedding anniversary gift (besides the dinner and night on the town). Since I will never use these grips, I thought they would be the best choice.

But I have no idea what they're worth. I can put them on Gunbroker.com, but I woudn't even know where to set a fair reserve.

Does anyone here have any suggestions?

 

[dfariswheel]

If you want the top dollar, sell them on eBay.
Colt Target grips are bringing INSANE prices there.

Just a standard set of Colt Target grips typically bring between $100 to $150 OR MORE.

A set of genuine Colt Custom Shop unused grips would probably bring from $150 to $200 or more.
For a better idea, go to eBay and do a search for "Colt Grips" , then do a search for "Completed Auctions".
This will show you what the grips are actually selling for.

People are paying prices fort Python grips that make you wonder if they've lost their minds.
In some cases, people are paying these insane prices for FAKE Colt grips.

I'd start them out at a minimum bid of $100.

 

[Monkeyleg]

dfariswheel, why am I not surprised that you answered first? You are, after all, the Python expert.

Insane prices on Ebay? I did a bit of checking on Gunbroker.com, and saw factory walnut Python grips going for over $300!

The problem I see with trying to sell these rosewood grips is that they were a custom shop order, and not standard issue. People may be trying to make their Pythons look new by buying new grips.

And, I don't know how many people are aware that Colt's custom shop once made custom grips.

Here's the deal: I found out last night that I'm in the red when it comes to "husband points." So I need to do something extra-special, such as buy her a gift certificate to her favorite (and the most expensive in town) garden center.

Get my drift?

But I can't afford to spend $$$ on flowers right now.

Anyway, if anyone has any ideas or suggestions, please reply.

Right now I feel like I'm in my cell on death row, with the priest giving me Last Rites.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

I Agree with Doctor "D" as usual.
Ebay will take the week and then some to sell and get your dough, but will reap the biggest benefit money wise.
Standard Python stocks are bringing in the $200 range and those Rosewoods could bring in the $300-$350 range.
It takes 2 to tango as any other auction does.

1) You could do Ebay (2 weeks before getting the money)

2) You could try posting pictures on the Colt forum classifieds and see what happens from there. (possibly get them sold and get payment in a couple days)

3) you could give them to your wife as a piece offering. Just make sure there's not a gun attached to them, she may use it on you. (possible get shot right on the spot)

Good luck, Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[Old Fuff]

Most (but not all) of the Pythons that Colt turned out were fine guns, but the factory wood stocks on some of the later guns were pretty poor quality. Others came with rubber stocks that were even worse. Python owners often want to upgrade, and finding top-quality ones is easy. Finding the same thing in factory stocks isn't. That's why the real stuff is pulling down such high prices. It may take longer, but I'd take the path that leads to the biggest bucks. In the long run your better-half will thank you. Besides, it's the thought that counts.

 

[dfariswheel]

You can be assured that bidders on eBay are fully aware that the Colt Custom Shop offered high quality factory style grips.

Genuine Custom Shop grips bring the highest prices after the original First Type fully checkered grips as used on the 50's Pythons.
On eBay, the sky's the limit, and the price will almost always be the highest.

 

[jetman]

Private Message inbound Jeff

 

[saltydog452]

Grip panels for Pythons can be slightly different in fit. Panels that fit as they should on, for example, a '60 Python might need slight modification to fit another.

I've owned three, a 6", 4", and 2.5". The panels on the 4 and 2.5 were not interchangable. There was a slight difference in the location of the pin holes. The 2.5 was mfgd in '70. I dunno about the mfgd date of the other two. I bought those two in the mid to late 60s.

I 'spect there was a more custom fitting going on at Colt 30-40 years ago.

salty.