German Proofed Colt Python .357 Magnum Revolver Rare Gun With Box, & Colt Letter – MFD 1973

LSB#: 130427WW01
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: E55925
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Caliber: .38 Special and .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “PYTHON .357 / *.357 MAGNUM CTG*” and the right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” The crane cut is marked “E55925 / I T“ and the crane is marked “E55925”. There is a Rampant Colt on the left side plate, the “VP” proof mark on the top front trigger guard bow, and a “1” at its top rear. The left side of the grip frame is marked “W / INS” and the right side is marked “Q”. There are German proof marks on the left side of the frame and barrel and the rear face of the cylinder. The barrel, frame at the barrel and the rear face of the cylinder are marked with the German Eagle over “N” proof mark which is the Ulm proof house definitive nitro proof. The frame at the barrel also has the crosshatched shield of the Munich proof house and a shield showing the year of proof (1973.) Finally, there is a mark on the frame above the three marks where the barrel passes through the frame. That mark appears to be from Helmut Hoffman GmbH, the German sporting goods firm that imported this Python to Germany.
Barrel Length: 4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned serrated ramped blade, on a ramp, on a ventilated rib. The rear sight is a windage and elevation adjustable square notch sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood, with a gloss finish and gold colored Colt medallions at the tops. The checkering is very sharp and aside from some light wear to the finish at the heels, there are no mentionable areas of wear on either panel. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is nearly unfired and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is a barely visible and impossible to feel drag line on the cylinder and very light marking on the crane from swinging the cylinder out a handful of times. There is also a tiny bit of surface marking on the left side of the frame at the Verified Proof mark. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly with solid lock up and good timing. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The two halves of a Styrofoam insert in Good condition are included, along with a brown printed wood grain Colt cardboard box. The box and inserts are in Very Good condition but may not be original to this revolver. Also provided is a Colt factory letter which states in part that this was one of 40 guns shipped to Helmut Hofmann of Mellrichstadt, West Germany on June 21, 1973.
Our Assessment: This gun was purchased by Helmut Hoffman GmbH. From their website: The Helmut Hofmann GmbH was founded in 1956 in Mellrichstadt and for over 50 years your conscientious partner as your supplier for hunters, shooters, police, military and security services. If only this gun could talk . . . All we know is that the gun was shipped to West Germany in 1973, proof fired and marked and then put in storage. We cannot speak to whether this gun was intended for commercial or government sales, though both are a possibility. Having made the trip to Germany and a trip back, this gun does not show much wear or use. If you are a Python collector, how could you pass up this opportunity?
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California. This handgun CANNOT be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. THIS GUN CAN ONLY BE SOLD OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA.

German Proofed Colt Python .357 Magnum Revolver Rare Gun With Box, & Colt Letter - MFD 1973
German Proofed Colt Python .357 Magnum Revolver Rare Gun With Box, & Colt Letter – MFD 1973