Rare Colt USA American Bicentennial Set Dragoon SAA Python & Case, 1976 ATF C&R
Our Assessment:This may be the most important set for Colt collectors produced. The set encompasses the three quintessential firearms from three generations of Colt revolvers. The Dragoon was designed as a solution to numerous problems encountered with the Walker Colt. Although it was introduced after the Mexican-American War, it became popular among civilians during the 1850s and 1860s, and was also used during the American Civil War. It was the first of the heavy hitting revolvers that became practical for military use. The Colt Single Action Army represents not only a generation of Colt Production, but an era of American History. The Colt helped tame the West and the 7 1/2" .45 LC SAA is a gun that elicits feelings of the Old West upon sight. The Python was the next generation. This gun shows the finest of Colt's Modern Double Action Revolver design and manufacturing. The Colt Python is desirable. It was first introduced in 1955, the same year as Smith & Wesson's M29 .44 Magnum. The Colt Python targeted the premium revolver market segment. Some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper, Ian V. Hogg, Chuck Hawks, Leroy Thompson, Renee Smeets and Martin Dougherty have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made.
Make:Colt
Model:US Bicentennial 3 gun Set: Colt Dragoon, Single Action Army, Python
Serial Numbers:Dragoon: 0863DG, Single Action Army: 0863PM, Python: 0863PY
Year of Manufacture:1976, ATF C&R (the Dragoon is ATF ANTIQUE)
Caliber:Dragoon: .44 PercussionSingle Action Army: .45 ColtPython: .357 MagnumAction Types:Dragoon: Single Action Cap and Ball RevolverSingle Action Army: Single Action Cartridge Revolver with Side Loading-Gate CylinderPython: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Barrel Length:Dragoon: 7 1/2"Single Action Army: 7 1/2"Python: 6"
Sights / Optics:Dragoon: The front sight is a fixed silver blade. The rear sight is a notch in the hammer.Single Action Army: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a notch in the top strap.Python: The front sight is a pinned and serrated ramp. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition:each revolver has walnut grips with the United States Seal on the left. The Dragoon and Single Action Army have one-piece grips, the Python has two-piece grips. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in excellent condition.
Type of Finish:Dragoon: Blue, Case Color & Silver PlateSingle Action Army: Blue & Case ColorPython: Blue
Finish Originality:Original
Bore Condition:The bores are bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in any of the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition:Dragoon: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. The silver plate on the grip frame has darkened, but should still polish bright. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in excellent condition.Single Action Army: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is minor operational wear on the side faces of the hammer. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in excellent condition.Python: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is minor operational wear including very light wear on the cylinder from cylinder turn. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in excellent condition.
Mechanics:The actions function correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories:Included is a factory wood three-drawer case in its original shipping carton. each drawer is velvet lined and has a lock, one key is included. The Dragoon's drawer is fitted for the included powder flask, bullet mold, cap tin and nipple wrench. The case has a slot for the included leather-bound book, marked "ARMSMEAR" on the spine. This book is "The Home, the Arm, and the Armory of Samuel Colt. A Memorial.". The book and Dragoon accessories are still shrink-wrapped in their original packaging. The case has little in the way of wear. The book and accessories are still sealed. The cardboard boxes show wear and tear from storage and handling.
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, CA PPT: YES
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