My 'pre-metric era' computer skills are somewhat lacking.
Couldn't open that up.
Nope, you need an account on the Colt Forum. Anyway...you're not missing anything...just some lovely collection of snakes, mostly BSTS...makes me crazy...
Show your PYTHONs & Snakes Here +++
- Thread starter bigi
- Start date
Nope, you need an account on the Colt Forum. Anyway...you're not missing anything...just some lovely collection of snakes, mostly BSTS...makes me crazy...
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
Try it this way!
[/URL]
Damn.....that's like dying and going to BSTS heaven.
A bit of trivia.
[h=2]Earliest Known Nickel Python[/h]
[h=2]Earliest Known Nickel Python[/h]
I have a 1960 nickel 6" with serial number 10,001 and a Colt letter that gives it a birthday of 4/18/60. And I've been advised by a forum member that the nickel option wasn't advertised until 1961.
1981 Colt Python Hunter
Not mine, but up for auction in the states...ends in less than 3 days.
http://www.gunrunnerauctions.com/listings/details/index.cfm?itemnum=1126227923
1957 Colt Python Engraved
http://www.gunrunnerauctions.com/listings/details/index.cfm?itemnum=1126134507
Not mine, but up for auction in the states...ends in less than 3 days.
http://www.gunrunnerauctions.com/listings/details/index.cfm?itemnum=1126227923
1957 Colt Python Engraved
http://www.gunrunnerauctions.com/listings/details/index.cfm?itemnum=1126134507
Last edited:
Some good info here from another site:
[h=2]Recognizing The Fakes For Beginners - A Few Python Listings To Learn From[/h]
[h=2]Recognizing The Fakes For Beginners - A Few Python Listings To Learn From[/h]
Here is a sampling of some recent Gun Broker Python listings that include reproduction / fake / counterfeit boxes, labels and packaging materials. Some of the listings are worded carefully while others suggest "Factory original" or "NIB". None describe the packaging materials as reproductions. I just can't imagine how sick some of these buyers must feel when they find out what they actually have.
Watch out for those fakes!
1.
4" Nickel Python - Stunning Bright Nickel Colt Python 357 4 Inch Box : Revolvers at GunBroker.com - Sold for $3,551! A nice used 4" nickel Python with modified stocks and reproduction everything. This is a perfect example of why these reproduction products are used; in this instance it appears the seller gained as much as $1,500 because he included these bogus materials in the auction.
- Photo # 1: Fake wood-grain box. "thumb" cut-outs above end flaps were not present on original boxes in this serial number range. I can also see a tell-tale difference in the texture of the boxes' surface. Fake Hang-tag... wrong string color. I think the stocks have been modified. They are originals stocks but have been sanded and refinished in the thumb rest area on both panels.
- Photo # 4: Fake Label. Colt utilized more than one style of Python gold foil label but this one is an obvious fake with incorrect wording. Also notice the color and style of the hand written information. No original label looks like it. Keep a photo of this label handy and trust that every one you see like it, is a reproduction.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
2.
8" Nickel Python - Colt Python 8 inch Nickel 357 in box : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: This is an early counterfeit box with a maroon color that gives it away. This early box did not have a wood-grain pattern that resembles Colt's authentic box styles.
Photo # 18: Colt "congratulations" letter is about 13 years too early; obvious reproduction.
Photo # 19: Fake label. Colt never produced one like it and I have never seen a gold foil Python label for this serial number range.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
3.
4" Blue Python - Colt Python Royal Blue .357 Mag 4? w Box Papers*NR : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: Fake box identified in a number of ways. In 1979, Python boxes did not have "thumb" cut-outs above end flaps. Wrong size box (too short) for a 1979 Python and the wood-grain pattern is not consistent with authentic Colt boxes. Also see reproduction hang-tag with wrong string color.
Photo # 2: Further indication that box is reproduction. See red "warning" stamp on side of box. These warning stamps were not present on Colt's wood-grain boxes in 1979.
The red insert front sight on this 1979 Python would have been an aftermarket modification.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
4.
2 1/2" Blue Python - Colt Python Blue1975...21/2...Mint...Box : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: There is a lot to cover in this first photo. Fake box, fake Styrofoam inserts, fake hang-tag, fake manual, fake safety disc. Box has the "thumb" cut-outs and "warning" stamp on side. Both are not found on authentic boxes in 1979. Also wrong box wood-grain pattern. Hang-tag is wrong color with wrong string color. 1979 Pythons did not ship with this style manual... its a fake. I have never seen Styrofoam inserts that were structured like this. The safety disc is at least a decade too early.
Photo # 5: I recently offered a thread on fake labels and stated then that the label was the counterfeiters' weak link. Well, I strongly believe this, whether it is a gold foil or computer generated label, they are all obvious fakes. The one on this box is simply not seen on any original Colt Python boxes. From the pre-printed words on the label to its color and the handwritten information, no authentic Python label looks like it.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
5.
6" Blue Python (1960) - COLT PYTHON -6"- ROYAL BLUE-1960-VERY NICE IN BOX : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: Pythons were not packaged in boxes like this in 1960. This particular style box is many years into the future. In addition, this box is an obvious reproduction. Notice the colors of both the interior and exterior. Manual is a reproduction as this style of Python manual did not show up for many more years.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
6.
6" E-Nickel Python - COLT python RARE E-NICKEL EXCELLENT : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: This is a new generation of fake box with an improved wood-grain pattern, but not good enough to pass as an original if one would compare the two side by side. When I see a supposed 30 + year old box, in factory crisp condition, with a fake label on it, I assume it too is fake.
Photo # 9: Here again is the fake / reproduction Python label with incorrect pre-printed lettering, wrong color foil, and filled out with incorrect hand written information with incorrect pen type and color. All "K" prefix serial numbered Pythons that I have owned or I have seen photos of, did not have a gold foil label. Some will remember that these Pythons were labeled by Colt in two very different styles, neither of which is of the gold foil type. I suggest when you encounter a "K" prefix Python that is packaged with a gold foil style label, first presume it is a fake.
************************************************* ************************************************** ****
7.
6" Nickel Python - Colt Python Nickel 357 Magnum 6? w Box Papers *NR* : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 2: This photo shows a reproduction box, hang-tag, Styrofoam inserts, and other very likely reproduction paperwork and manual. First, an "AL" prefix serial numbered Python would not have been packaged in the "Craftsmanship" maroon box, which came along several years later. The hang-tag is the wrong color. The Styrofoam inserts are reproductions as they are not molded correctly. Given the obvious fake box, one could reasonably assume all of it is fake.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
8.
4" Brt. Stain. Python - Colt Python 4" Bright Stainless "Ultimate" : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: This one has come up in prior threads but since it hasn't sold, I thought I would mention it here. This is the relatively recent attempt to counterfeit the labels that Colt affixed to its foam-lined blue plastic cases. I see two clear opportunities to understand this label as a reproduction. One should remember that during the '90s Colt utilized two styles of blue plastic boxes for its packaging. The earliest version of the blue plastic box was not foam lined and was shipped in the outer "picture box" sleeve with label affixed to the sleeve. Next came the foam-lined blue plastic case with the label affixed directly to the case. A check of serial numbers of known New-In-Box Pythons tells us this particular Python would have been shipped in the non foam-lined blue plastic case with label affixed to the "picture box" outer sleeve.
Secondly, the label's printed letters, numbers, symbols and characters do not resemble those found on authentic double action Colt labels of this era.
************************************
Watch out for those fakes!
1.
4" Nickel Python - Stunning Bright Nickel Colt Python 357 4 Inch Box : Revolvers at GunBroker.com - Sold for $3,551! A nice used 4" nickel Python with modified stocks and reproduction everything. This is a perfect example of why these reproduction products are used; in this instance it appears the seller gained as much as $1,500 because he included these bogus materials in the auction.
- Photo # 1: Fake wood-grain box. "thumb" cut-outs above end flaps were not present on original boxes in this serial number range. I can also see a tell-tale difference in the texture of the boxes' surface. Fake Hang-tag... wrong string color. I think the stocks have been modified. They are originals stocks but have been sanded and refinished in the thumb rest area on both panels.
- Photo # 4: Fake Label. Colt utilized more than one style of Python gold foil label but this one is an obvious fake with incorrect wording. Also notice the color and style of the hand written information. No original label looks like it. Keep a photo of this label handy and trust that every one you see like it, is a reproduction.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
2.
8" Nickel Python - Colt Python 8 inch Nickel 357 in box : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: This is an early counterfeit box with a maroon color that gives it away. This early box did not have a wood-grain pattern that resembles Colt's authentic box styles.
Photo # 18: Colt "congratulations" letter is about 13 years too early; obvious reproduction.
Photo # 19: Fake label. Colt never produced one like it and I have never seen a gold foil Python label for this serial number range.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
3.
4" Blue Python - Colt Python Royal Blue .357 Mag 4? w Box Papers*NR : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: Fake box identified in a number of ways. In 1979, Python boxes did not have "thumb" cut-outs above end flaps. Wrong size box (too short) for a 1979 Python and the wood-grain pattern is not consistent with authentic Colt boxes. Also see reproduction hang-tag with wrong string color.
Photo # 2: Further indication that box is reproduction. See red "warning" stamp on side of box. These warning stamps were not present on Colt's wood-grain boxes in 1979.
The red insert front sight on this 1979 Python would have been an aftermarket modification.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
4.
2 1/2" Blue Python - Colt Python Blue1975...21/2...Mint...Box : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: There is a lot to cover in this first photo. Fake box, fake Styrofoam inserts, fake hang-tag, fake manual, fake safety disc. Box has the "thumb" cut-outs and "warning" stamp on side. Both are not found on authentic boxes in 1979. Also wrong box wood-grain pattern. Hang-tag is wrong color with wrong string color. 1979 Pythons did not ship with this style manual... its a fake. I have never seen Styrofoam inserts that were structured like this. The safety disc is at least a decade too early.
Photo # 5: I recently offered a thread on fake labels and stated then that the label was the counterfeiters' weak link. Well, I strongly believe this, whether it is a gold foil or computer generated label, they are all obvious fakes. The one on this box is simply not seen on any original Colt Python boxes. From the pre-printed words on the label to its color and the handwritten information, no authentic Python label looks like it.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
5.
6" Blue Python (1960) - COLT PYTHON -6"- ROYAL BLUE-1960-VERY NICE IN BOX : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: Pythons were not packaged in boxes like this in 1960. This particular style box is many years into the future. In addition, this box is an obvious reproduction. Notice the colors of both the interior and exterior. Manual is a reproduction as this style of Python manual did not show up for many more years.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
6.
6" E-Nickel Python - COLT python RARE E-NICKEL EXCELLENT : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: This is a new generation of fake box with an improved wood-grain pattern, but not good enough to pass as an original if one would compare the two side by side. When I see a supposed 30 + year old box, in factory crisp condition, with a fake label on it, I assume it too is fake.
Photo # 9: Here again is the fake / reproduction Python label with incorrect pre-printed lettering, wrong color foil, and filled out with incorrect hand written information with incorrect pen type and color. All "K" prefix serial numbered Pythons that I have owned or I have seen photos of, did not have a gold foil label. Some will remember that these Pythons were labeled by Colt in two very different styles, neither of which is of the gold foil type. I suggest when you encounter a "K" prefix Python that is packaged with a gold foil style label, first presume it is a fake.
************************************************* ************************************************** ****
7.
6" Nickel Python - Colt Python Nickel 357 Magnum 6? w Box Papers *NR* : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 2: This photo shows a reproduction box, hang-tag, Styrofoam inserts, and other very likely reproduction paperwork and manual. First, an "AL" prefix serial numbered Python would not have been packaged in the "Craftsmanship" maroon box, which came along several years later. The hang-tag is the wrong color. The Styrofoam inserts are reproductions as they are not molded correctly. Given the obvious fake box, one could reasonably assume all of it is fake.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
8.
4" Brt. Stain. Python - Colt Python 4" Bright Stainless "Ultimate" : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Photo # 1: This one has come up in prior threads but since it hasn't sold, I thought I would mention it here. This is the relatively recent attempt to counterfeit the labels that Colt affixed to its foam-lined blue plastic cases. I see two clear opportunities to understand this label as a reproduction. One should remember that during the '90s Colt utilized two styles of blue plastic boxes for its packaging. The earliest version of the blue plastic box was not foam lined and was shipped in the outer "picture box" sleeve with label affixed to the sleeve. Next came the foam-lined blue plastic case with the label affixed directly to the case. A check of serial numbers of known New-In-Box Pythons tells us this particular Python would have been shipped in the non foam-lined blue plastic case with label affixed to the "picture box" outer sleeve.
Secondly, the label's printed letters, numbers, symbols and characters do not resemble those found on authentic double action Colt labels of this era.
************************************
live4therut
CGN frequent flyer
x2!
Colt Target Python 8" Nickel on Gunbroker
Colt Target Python 8" Nickel on Gunbroker
Not mine. Don't know the seller. Is it legit...only bigi knows for sure.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=518040265
Colt Target Python 8" Nickel on Gunbroker
Not mine. Don't know the seller. Is it legit...only bigi knows for sure.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=518040265
- Location
- Swift Current
What's it worth?
