Python how old and markings

[kent m. lane]

Have a Colt Python ser. no. 47527 how old is it? Also on the lowepart of the gun left side there is a triangle with a p or vp in side the triangle stamped[hard to see]. Also when I take the wood grips off on the grip frame it is stamped INS on the left side and a W all alone on the other side of the grip frame of the gun. What dose this all mean is this a rare Python is it worth more than the average 6 inch in royal blue.


Any info would be welcome, Thanks Kent

 

[Jim Watson]

Colt started adding a letter prefix or suffix to serial numbers in 1969. If it is all numbers, the gun is older than that. VP is the standard Colt proof mark "Viewed and Proved". I presume the other markings are inspectors' stamps, factories use a lot of stuff like that with no explanation to the customers.

Rare? Well it is absolutely unique, there is no other Python No 47527 in the world. But it sounds absolutely typical to me and worth just as much as any other 6" blue Python. Maybe a little more because of the age, if IF IF it is in extremely nice condition.

 

[22-rimfire]

Serial number places the gun in 1965 per Wilson. Pretty much a typical Royal Blue Python. You might get a little more due to its age to the right buyer. The original box and paperwork that came with the gun would be an excellent sales point. What's the condition?

 

[kent m. lane]

Reply to the condition

The gun has not a scratch on it and it has been fired not may times due to the condition of the cylinder markings. Also not a trace of rust on the gun either, even under the wood grips.

 

[dfariswheel]

The "VP" in a triangle is Colt's Verified Proof, signifying that it passed final inspection.

Many people think that the "INS" stamp on the side of the butt means Immigration and Naturalization Service" but in fact, it's an inspector's mark and is quite common on Colt revolvers of the 1960's.

Python number 47527 was made in 1965.
The year started at 41400, and ended at 50499.

 

[Standing Wolf]

A 1965 Python, in general, will be worth more than a 1975 or 1985 or 1995 Python: over the years, Colt inflicted more and more compromises upon its flagship product. By 2005, when it went out of production, the Python was a better gun than the average Ruger in name only.