Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this GORGEOUS Limited Production double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Python Alaska 25th Anniversary!
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The Python Alaska 25th Anniversary Commemorative is a highly sought-after firearm manufactured in a limited edition to celebrate Alaska's 25th anniversary of statehood in 1984. This particular model has unique features that make it highly coveted among collectors and gun enthusiasts alike.
The guns were individually numbered from 1 to 200 on the trigger guard, which makes them highly distinguished and valuable. The right side of the frame features an engraved brown bear scene that is highly detailed and realistic. The bear has a gold-inlaid salmon in its mouth, which adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the gun. The right side of the barrel has the words "Alaska 25th Anniversary" inscribed inside a gold banner. This adds to the firearm's overall look and makes it a highly sought-after collector's item. The bottom of the trigger guard has "23 of 200" inscribed, which further adds to its rarity and value. The backstrap on this model is inscribed with "1959 Limited Edition 1984" and filled with gold, adding to the firearm's overall value and appeal. Both sides of the frame, barrel, and cylinder feature intricate American-style scroll engravings that are highly detailed and impressive.
This particular firearm was engraved by a well-known Master Engraver named Ken Hurst, who was renowned for his skill and attention to detail. The gun bears his stamp of "K. HURST" on the yoke below the serial number, which adds to its overall value and prestige. This Python is a true work of art and a highly sought-after collector's item, thanks to its unique features and exquisite design.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Python Alaska 25th Anniversary
Serial: K74522
Date of Manufacture: 1984
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6" Vent Ribbed
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Ramp Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Third Type Checkered Walnut Grips with Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard / The right side of the frame features an engraved brown bear scene with a gold-inlaid salmon in its mouth. The right side of the barrel is inscribed with the words "Alaska 25th Anniversary" inside a banner and filled with gold. The bottom of the trigger guard is inscribed "23 of 200" and filled with gold. The backstrap is inscribed "1959 Limited Edition 1984" and filled with gold. Both sides of the frame, barrel, and cylinder feature American-style scroll engravings. The yoke is stamped "K. HURST" below the serial number.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Python was originally 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 weight of the gun. The gun originally had a hollow barrel lug 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.
Eventually, the Python was offered in a nickel finish that evolved into a bright, mirror-like stainless steel finish that made the Python one of the most visually impressive firearms on the market. Between 1955, when it was introduced, and 1997, when production ceased for the first-generation Python, more than 750,000 were produced. It found an immediate home in the hands of law enforcement, where the ability to chamber both .357 Mag. and .38 Spl. cartridges gave it a clear advantage over the previously standard .38 Spl. then in common use. Hundreds, if not thousands, of them, saw service in Vietnam as private-purchase sidearms for American military officers. It had no peer in the hands of hunters and competitive target shooters.
Sadly, for many classic wheel guns, the advent of the semi-auto for police work starting in the 1980s knocked the wind out of the revolver market, and the Python (along with many other venerable Colt snake-gun series revolvers) was discontinued. Colt listed the Python in its catalog for years as “the world’s finest all-around revolver.”
This limited edition Python was built to celebrate Alaska's 25th anniversary of statehood in 1984. The guns were numbered from 1 to 200 on the trigger guard. The right side of the frame has an engraved brown bear scene with a gold-inlaid salmon in its mouth. The right side of the barrel has the words "Alaska 25th Anniversary" inscribed inside a banner, filled with gold. The bottom of the trigger guard has "23 of 200" inscribed and filled with gold. The backstrap is inscribed with "1959 Limited Edition 1984", also filled with gold. Both sides of the frame, barrel, and cylinder feature American-style scroll engravings. This particular firearm was engraved by a well-known Master Engraver, Ken Hurst, and bears his stamping of "K. HURST" on the yoke below the serial number.
Contents:
This example includes the walnut presentation case with royal blue velvet lining and the key shown above. The owner states that this example remains New Old Stock and we see no evidence to indicate otherwise!
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.
Model: Python Alaska 25th Anniversary
Serial: K74522
Date of Manufacture: 1984
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6" Vent Ribbed
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Ramp Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Third Type Checkered Walnut Grips with Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard / The right side of the frame features an engraved brown bear scene with a gold-inlaid salmon in its mouth. The right side of the barrel is inscribed with the words "Alaska 25th Anniversary" inside a banner and filled with gold. The bottom of the trigger guard is inscribed "23 of 200" and filled with gold. The backstrap is inscribed "1959 Limited Edition 1984" and filled with gold. Both sides of the frame, barrel, and cylinder feature American-style scroll engravings. The yoke is stamped "K. HURST" below the serial number.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Python was originally 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 weight of the gun. The gun originally had a hollow barrel lug 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.
Eventually, the Python was offered in a nickel finish that evolved into a bright, mirror-like stainless steel finish that made the Python one of the most visually impressive firearms on the market. Between 1955, when it was introduced, and 1997, when production ceased for the first-generation Python, more than 750,000 were produced. It found an immediate home in the hands of law enforcement, where the ability to chamber both .357 Mag. and .38 Spl. cartridges gave it a clear advantage over the previously standard .38 Spl. then in common use. Hundreds, if not thousands, of them, saw service in Vietnam as private-purchase sidearms for American military officers. It had no peer in the hands of hunters and competitive target shooters.
Sadly, for many classic wheel guns, the advent of the semi-auto for police work starting in the 1980s knocked the wind out of the revolver market, and the Python (along with many other venerable Colt snake-gun series revolvers) was discontinued. Colt listed the Python in its catalog for years as “the world’s finest all-around revolver.”
This limited edition Python was built to celebrate Alaska's 25th anniversary of statehood in 1984. The guns were numbered from 1 to 200 on the trigger guard. The right side of the frame has an engraved brown bear scene with a gold-inlaid salmon in its mouth. The right side of the barrel has the words "Alaska 25th Anniversary" inscribed inside a banner, filled with gold. The bottom of the trigger guard has "23 of 200" inscribed and filled with gold. The backstrap is inscribed with "1959 Limited Edition 1984", also filled with gold. Both sides of the frame, barrel, and cylinder feature American-style scroll engravings. This particular firearm was engraved by a well-known Master Engraver, Ken Hurst, and bears his stamping of "K. HURST" on the yoke below the serial number.
Contents:
This example includes the walnut presentation case with royal blue velvet lining and the key shown above. The owner states that this example remains New Old Stock and we see no evidence to indicate otherwise!
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
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
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.
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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