1968 Colt Python 357 Mag 6” Royal Blue NIB

This 1968 Colt Python is chambered in .357 magnum and sports a 6” vented top ribbed barrel. New in box condition this early Colt includes the factory box, papers and test target all numbered to the Revolver. A 55-year-old Python revolver, that boasts no excuses as a collector grade firearm. Colt’s Python is the flagship double action revolver of the serpent series and as revered by some collectors as the finest production revolver ever made.

This early Colt Python boasts a flawless Colt Royal Blue finish, and it wears pristine factory target checkered walnut grips. Colts Royal blue finish is deep throughout the revolver, with no visible handling marks. The top strap shows a smooth matte finish, not commonly maintained on Colt Pythons of this age. The outer surface of the cylinder shows smooth, and both faces are clean.  The seller states revolver was wiped down lightly. Anything that’s visible in the photo is likely lint or factory grease. 

On the left side of the Colt revolver the markings show sharp and read “PYTHON 357” on top of “*.357 MAGNUM CTG*” on the center of the barrel. The serial number “86346” is located on the cylinder crane and frame. The triangular “VP” verified proof mark on the top of the left side trigger bow, and an “0” between the trigger and grip. The rampant Colt sits on the frame above the grip below the cylinder release, it shows sharp edges. The right side of the Colt revolver barrel in a thin serif style font is marked as “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The right side does not show any other markings. 

The leading edges throughout this Colt Python show factory sharp, with no noticeable handling marks. The muzzle shows a clean smooth finish, and no silvering. The front sight is ramped blade with sharp serrations. It’s pinned on the top rib and shows sharp leading edges. The top strap as previously mentioned finished in matte to reduce glare is smooth. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch type. The checkering on the hammer is sharp and blue, the sides polished.

The front strap and trigger guards show a smooth blue finish with no noticeable handling marks. The factory grips are light in color and smooth throughout, no chips or cracks are visible on any edge. The colt medallion in gold, sits at the top cradled in the grip checkering. The checkering is strong throughout on both sides. The grip screw shows sharp edges, no tool marks are visible. The grooved back strap shows a smooth deep finish with no handling marks visible. 

Included with the sale of this 1968 Colt Python, is the early wood grain style, 2-piece factory box numbered to the revolver. The box includes the factory papers and pamphlets, and test target. The test target is Engelhardt signed and dated September 21, 1968, also numbered to the Python. The box is in great condition all edges show intact, with minimal wear on the corners. It shows the revolver’s serial number on the front label face and the bottom in white. Any serious collector would find this to be one of the staples of their collection.