Description
Item Description
This Phenomenal example was engraved by Master Engraver Walter Shannon!
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Model: Python
Serial: 65144E
Date of Manufacture: 1977
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 6" Vent Ribbed and Full Lug
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Ramp Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Genuine Mother of Pearl
Action: Double
Markings: Standard, Full Coverage Scroll Engraving by Master Engraver Walter Shannon!
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Walter Shannon ran a gun engraving business in the 1970's and 80's after he retired from the Sante Fe railroad. He worked out of Waldron, Arkansas and Palestine, Tx. from what we have learned. He was a certified "Master Engraver" and his style was very similar to the well known work of Cole Agee. Mr. Shannon's work featured scroll engraving in a classic style, he did not do game scenes or portraits. Mr. Shannon applied a signature stylized "S" on the bottom of the trigger guards of the guns he engraved, as well as stamping the grip frame with his last name and occasionally the date in which the work was completed. In the 1980's his wife began engraving in her own style after learning the skill from him, and helped with the business. Walter Shannon died in 1999 in Palestine Texas at the age of 80. His work has really begun to be recognized and appreciated in the last ten years or so.
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, this was also considered by Colt executives 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 so you can 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.
Contents:
This example will ship with the wooden presentation case 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 $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $70.00
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Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
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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