1959 Python

S

SKJ3105

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First time posting anything here, so please forgive me if I am doing anythnig wrong.

I inherited my fathers 1959 Python series Colt Python 357 Magnum snub nose revolver. I am looking for some opinions of its value in its curent condition. The revolver was my fathers off duty weapon during his time on the police department and has some wear, but no defects and fires without any issues. It has a 4 digit serial number. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
The most important variable in determining value is condition. Without photos it's impossible to tell. Check gunbroker.com for similar guns sold.
 
Prepare to be shocked. The coltforum.com has a section on Pythons that might be worth looking at. I bought a Python Elite about the last year Colt was till making them for about $1K. I got it to shoot it and save shooting a nice 60s blued one I bought back in the 70s. I could see the older blued ones being worth a lot now. I was amazed that even the late SS Elites are in the $4-5K range right now. Seems like there is a Python buying frenzy currently.
 
Hello. A 1959 2 1/2" Colt Python is quite an inheritance. Price wise I have seen some 2 1/2" Pythons going in excess of $3000. Personally I would hang on to it instead of selling. My first handgun is a 1978 6" Python that I borrowed money from my Grandmother for. It is the first handgun I have owned plus it is the year I graduated high school so the sentimental value outweighs the monetary value to me.
 
Welcome to the TFL.
Sorry to hear inheritance had to be the way to be given the revolver.
I do hope your father shared his experiences with you.

I'll second 2nd's opinion.
No one here can give an honest estimate without clear photos.

Please understand that judging wear to a used firearm can lead to heightened
expectations of value, even one as uncommon as a first year Python snub.

Without posting photos, GB will your best bet for judging value on sold guns.
Those values you find will probably not reflect the value of a '59 2 1/2" though.
Guns of that collector value actually are rarely sold on the open market.
Most end up getting sold to fellow collectors - for full value - without being advertised.

JT
 
First, thank you all for your input. I have attached some photos.
 

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That revolver shows rust and substantial finish wear. This is hurting its value and relegates it to shooter class.

The gun would need to be cleaned up carefully to establish a closer value but from the photo so far, I guesstimate $650 to 800.
 
How strange, the barrel is totally different texture from the frame and cylinder. Those are good old Colt Royal Blue, classy even with 55 years wear and tear. The barrel is rough and dull.

OK, got it.
The barrel is a replacement, put on for off duty carry.
The 2 1/2" was first listed in the 1963 catalog and not illustrated until after then.
Neither it nor even the 4" shows up in Sixguns, 1959 or Pistols, 1961.

Look around in Dad's stuff, you might find the 6" barrel it came with.
 
Jim beat me to it. The 4" Python debuted in 1960 and the 2.5" in 1963.

I hope you have luck in finding the original barrel, OP.
 
I'm just guessing (like everyone else) but the gun is not original and pristine. Really BIG money comes from collectors, but the gun must be original and pristine.

This gun is altered and in VERY rough shape. The stocks are worth $300-$400 by themselves (and look really HUGE with the 2" barrel). The gun (IMO) is worth around $500 as a "shooter." Total, call it $850.

To know exactly what it's worth list it for sale on Gunbroker auctions starting at a penny. It might bring more than we think. Python fever is all the rage. Bear in mind original 2" Pythons sell for thousands so if you offer it be honest and admit it's been converted to a 2" barrel.

If you don't really want to sell it and you are only looking for an insurance estimate then list it $1,500.
 
With the shape this one is in it would be a perfect example for a factory refinish. The refinish will not hurt the value much if at all. If you decide to sell it let the buyer know it has a replacement barrel that is much later than the frame. If it were mine I would have it refinished and pass it down to my kids.
 
SKJ,

I can't add much to what has already been stated as far as value, I'm simply not an expert on Colt revolvers (S&Ws are more in my wheelhouse).

I will say this though, your Father had impeccable taste in off duty carry guns.

Pythons are one of the few Colt guns that even interest me (other than some of the heavy frame 38s), choosing one as a carry gun has an off the charts "cool" factor, IMO.

Papershotshells
 
I cannot express enough how grateful I am to all of you gentlemen for taking the time to research this for me. It's incredible to me how knowledgeable you are. Thank you for the kind words about my Father, who was indeed a very "Cool" man. I will ask my mother about the missing barrel, but to be honest, I think that's a long shot at this point. I do not intend to sell my colt, as it holds a lot of sentimental value and I will look into having it insured accordingly. Thank you all again and if one day I do decide to part ways with it, I'll be checking in at The Firing Line first.
 
I'm pretty sure that's not the original barrel for that gun. I don't believe Colt made a 2 1/2" Python until much later. Those grips are original to the gun - that's a good thing! Those alone run for more than $500.

Personally, I'd look for a 6" barrel with the hollow underlug; replace that 2.5" barrel and have the entire gun refinished by Colt.

Oh, and I think you could get enough money for that 2.5" barrel to help fund the project. With the proper barrel and refinished by Colt (assuming Colt does a decent job) that gun could run well into the 2K's.
 
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357 Python My first handgun is a 1978 6" Python that I borrowed money from my Grandmother for. It is the first handgun I have owned plus it is the year I graduated high school so the sentimental value outweighs the monetary value to me.
Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity, it's a) your first handgun, b) you borrowed the $$$ from your poor old grandma and c) it was your graduation year from high school.

So did you pay her back the whole sum or did she make part of it a graduation gift? And do you still own the gun? Any pics?
 
Very nice shooter and memento from your father. Personally, I'd clean and give her an oil change and lube job, but leave her exactly the way your father left her...imperfections and all. They call that, um...PATINA, I believe. I call it character. Then Dad will be with you every time you pick her up.:)
 
I would shoot it and enjoy. If you really want get a colt reblue. There is something cool about a 2.5". There are way more pristine pythons with wire ties and boxes than there are shooters...
 
Stargater53. It was my first handgun and my Grandmother got all her money back. It was never part of a graduation gift. I graduated in June of 1978 and got a job as an armed Security Officer in December. I borrowed a gun from my dad for several months until I could get the Python. In March of 1979 my dad got me the Python with the money from my Grandmother. According to Colt the Python was made in 1978 and shipped to the dealer in October. I carried that Python as my duty weapon for nearly 3 years and it never let me down.
 
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