Description
Click here to view the Live Auction 1093311985
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this RARE and UNIQUE double-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Python MK III!
This example is more rare and desirable than all the other Rare Snakes, including the Boa, Viper, Snake Eyes, Grizzly, and Kodiak Models.
This Colt Python MK III, serial number J39897, is an intriguing example that is a Colt factory prototype. Due to its ship date of 1998 from the Colt Archives date to 1998 for the Python variant with a 4" barrel chambered in .357 Magnum / .38 Special, and 1970 for the MK III series, which includes models such as the Lawman, Metropolitan, Official Police, Officer Model, and Trooper.
This particular Python MK III features standard markings, including the left side of the barrel stamped with “PYTHON MK III / .357 MAGNUM CTG..” The intriguing aspect lies in the possible overlap of production timelines, which could indicate this revolver was a rare transitional model that bridges the gap between the earlier Pythons and the new MK III design. Colt had been transitioning its revolver line during this period, particularly with the introduction of the Mark III series, which utilized a simplified action system and sintered steel parts. Given the combination of features and the serial number, it is conceivable that this example was part of a smaller batch used for testing or limited production runs, further adding to its mystery and collectability.
According to the included factory letter, this particular revolver was shipped by Colt on October 16, 2008, to Greg Martin Auctions, located at 660 Third Street, Suite 100, in San Francisco, California. Notably, the letter further states that this revolver had been retained by the Colt factory as a sample and display piece prior to shipment. This designation indicates that the revolver was likely used internally by Colt for promotional purposes, reference, or exhibition—enhancing its historical significance and collectible value as a factory-documented display specimen.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Python MK III
Serial: J39897
Date of Manufacture (According to Colt Serial Lookup): 1998 (Python, 4" Barrel 357 Magnum / 38 Special, Royal Blue Finish) & 1970 (MK III Series: Lawman, Metropolitan, Official Police, Officer Model and Trooper)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Royal Blue with Color Case Hardened Hammer
Barrel Length: 4" Ventilated Rib Barrel with Full Lug
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Ramp Front with Adjustable Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered and Varnished Walnut Grips with Gold-Plated Colt Medallion Inlyas
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / The left side of the barrel is stamped “PYTHON MK III / *.357 MAGNUM CTG.*.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Smith & Wesson’s dominance in the .357 Mag. market changed forever in 1955; however, when Colt introduced its first revolver chambered in .357 Mag: the Python. By all accounts, Colt executives also considered this to be the finest revolver the company produced at the time. No expense was spared in the manufacturing process, from the revolver’s timing and lock-up to its Royal Blue finish, this would be the pinnacle of Colt’s manufacturing prowess and remains—to this day—one of the finest revolvers ever made, no matter the caliber. Originally, it was introduced in Colt’s spectacular Royal Blue finish with a 6-inch-barrel length. Most folks will tell you that a vent rib on a gun barrel is for heat dispensation to maintain accuracy without being thrown off by the wiggly, mirage-like blurriness caused by excessive heat rising off the barrel. That all makes sense, but the designer of the Python, Al Gunther, stated that the vents were primarily there to reduce the gun's weight. The gun originally had a hollow barrel lug also to reduce weight, but it still came in at 43 ounces. Eventually, the barrel lugs were made solid to add weight to the gun at the barrel end.
Model: Python MK III
Serial: J39897
Date of Manufacture (According to Colt Serial Lookup): 1998 (Python, 4" Barrel 357 Magnum / 38 Special, Royal Blue Finish) & 1970 (MK III Series: Lawman, Metropolitan, Official Police, Officer Model and Trooper)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Royal Blue with Color Case Hardened Hammer
Barrel Length: 4" Ventilated Rib Barrel with Full Lug
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Ramp Front with Adjustable Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered and Varnished Walnut Grips with Gold-Plated Colt Medallion Inlyas
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / The left side of the barrel is stamped “PYTHON MK III / *.357 MAGNUM CTG.*.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Smith & Wesson’s dominance in the .357 Mag. market changed forever in 1955; however, when Colt introduced its first revolver chambered in .357 Mag: the Python. By all accounts, Colt executives also considered this to be the finest revolver the company produced at the time. No expense was spared in the manufacturing process, from the revolver’s timing and lock-up to its Royal Blue finish, this would be the pinnacle of Colt’s manufacturing prowess and remains—to this day—one of the finest revolvers ever made, no matter the caliber. Originally, it was introduced in Colt’s spectacular Royal Blue finish with a 6-inch-barrel length. Most folks will tell you that a vent rib on a gun barrel is for heat dispensation to maintain accuracy without being thrown off by the wiggly, mirage-like blurriness caused by excessive heat rising off the barrel. That all makes sense, but the designer of the Python, Al Gunther, stated that the vents were primarily there to reduce the gun's weight. The gun originally had a hollow barrel lug also to reduce weight, but it still came in at 43 ounces. Eventually, the barrel lugs were made solid to add weight to the gun at the barrel end.
Subsequently, the Python was offered in 2.5-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8-inch barrel lengths, and some 8-inch Pythons came factory equipped with a hunting scope, making the Python the first revolver to be equipped—out of the box—ready for hunting. The incorporation of Colt Accro and Elliason rear sights allowed the gun to be zeroed for both windage and elevation. The oil-finished, checkered American walnut grips with the gold Colt medallion rounded out the presentation that came with a whopping $125 price tag—almost double the MSRP of Colt’s Trooper model. Demands were made for other finishes besides Royal Blue, so over the years, Colt offered the Python in Bright Nickel, satin electroless nickel known as "Coltguard," and in the early 1980s in satin stainless steel, and in bright mirror polished stainless steel, variously known as Bright Polish or Ultimate Polish. Between 1955, when it was introduced, and 1997, when production ceased for the first-generation Python, more than 750,000 were produced.
By the late 1960s, Colt's revolvers were becoming increasingly expensive to produce due to the labor-intensive processes required to maintain their high-quality, hand-fitted actions. These old designs were expensive to manufacture, which ultimately priced Colt out of the competitive market. In response, Colt developed an entirely new design to replace its older medium-frame revolvers, with the aim of reducing production costs while maintaining reliability and performance. This new design, the Colt "J" frame, Mark III, introduced a groundbreaking innovation: a simplified ignition system that used coil springs and a transfer bar safety mechanism instead of the old Colt rebounding hammer and safety block system. This revolutionary design made the revolvers safer, as the hammer could not strike the firing pin unless the trigger was intentionally pulled, preventing accidental discharges. Additionally, this system was simpler to produce, requiring less hand fitting and reducing labor costs.
The Colt Mark III series, produced from 1969 to 1983, marked a major shift in revolver manufacturing by introducing "machine-fitted" firearms. The use of sintered steel, a new manufacturing process where powdered steel is fused into solid parts, allowed Colt to produce parts with tight tolerances that could be quickly assembled without the need for skilled labor. The series included a variety of models, such as the Trooper Mark III, with different barrel lengths and finishes, and calibers like .22LR, .22 Magnum, and .357 Magnum. The simplified action and use of stainless steel springs made these revolvers more affordable to produce while maintaining Colt's reputation for reliability. This innovative approach significantly lowered production costs, making the Colt Mark III series one of the first truly mass-produced, yet high-quality, revolvers on the market.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the Colt factory letter as pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
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Payment Details
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Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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