@perrone1 Here’s “Old Ugly” herself, I sold almost all of my firepower around 35 years ago in order to buy a Harley. Most of my regrets about parting with them is what the monetary value would be today, but that’s true about a lot of possessions I’ve sold, traded, or given away. I had a sudden realization that I could only use one handgun at a time, and my wife won’t get near one. This is the least attractive, has the least features and do-dads, and the one I would least be likely to get rid of. Also her big brother, a Colt M4.
@perrone1 Most Pythons were either blued or nickel plated, they did not make that many stainless Pythons.
This is my retirement firearm, when you retire from FHP you get to keep your service weapon, we had transitioned to 9mm then to .40 cal. Beretta semi automatics but I was one of the last to transition to the 9mm so FHP give the last of us the choice to have the department hold our current firearm which I chose to do. This is an actual FHP service revolver with a DHSMV number stamped into the frame under the grips. FHP Pythons came with a pachmayr rubber grip, so I purchased a nice wood grip for mine. The serial number on my Python shows it was manufactured in 1984. I sent the Python to colt when I received it at retirement and they did a complete service on it so it like brand new.
Now if it is .45 ACP you like I have a Les Baer Centennial 1911 on the left and a Ed Brown Centennial 1911 on the right, Les Baer did not limit the number of his Centennial models but they were priced at $4,420 so I don't think he sold that many of them, the blue finish on the Les Baer is outstanding in person, the Les Baer also has real ivory grips. The Ed Brown was limited production only for the 100th year and they made two versions one was a fancy one with engraving on the frame and the one I have with out engraving the one I have was the 38th Centennial produced by Ed Brown, they did their serial numbers in order of the Centennial models orders so the serial numbers JMB001 and went up from there whether you purchased the fancy model of the one I have they both used the same JMB000 serial number. The Ed Brown Centennial has imitation true ivory grips and was priced at $2,995.
GREAT post John! You're right, the stainless (Original-made) Python's were not numerous at all - the nomenclature was Model I3041 termed "Ultimate" Bright Stainless. My Colt Archive Letter shows the one I posted made in 1995.
Thanks for your police service! I am very familiar with the FHP retirement Pythons. Our ex-next door neighbors were from Florida (have since moved back) and Linda was presented with a fully marked Florida Highway Patrol Python posthumously. Her husband was killed in the line of duty in the Tampa area. The gun was not taken care of very well and I fully reconditioned it for her several years back.
Those 1911's are gorgeous. Their reputations are well deserved.
@perrone1 I didn’ intend to turn this site into “ The Firearm Zone” Tony, but while we’re on the subject, the 4 inch Python and Govt model Colt that I mentioned earlier are the two guns I most regret getting rid of. They were both in the done at the Colt Custom Center in the ultimate Bright Stainless, and were as gorgeous as guns can get. I had real white pearl grips on both with a custom, fitted and blue velvet lined black walnut case. I thought I did good when I doubled my money when I sold the “set”, I’d pay 10 times to get them back! One funny aside; the gentleman I ordered them from was a fellow employee at Timken Steel who had a license and sold to a lot of us there. When I told him what I wanted, he asked me if I was planning on moving to the hood. He razzed me up until he got them, and later told me he was going to tell me they were unavailable and keep them for himself.
@perrone1 I didn’ intend to turn this site into “ The Firearm Zone” Tony, but while we’re on the subject, the 4 inch Python and Govt model Colt that I mentioned earlier are the two guns I most regret getting rid of. They were both in the done at the Colt Custom Center in the ultimate Bright Stainless, and were as gorgeous as guns can get. I had real white pearl grips on both with a custom, fitted and blue velvet lined black walnut case. I thought I did good when I doubled my money when I sold the “set”, I’d pay 10 times to get them back! One funny aside; the gentleman I ordered them from was a fellow employee at Timken Steel who had a license and sold to a lot of us there. When I told him what I wanted, he asked me if I was planning on moving to the hood. He razzed me up until he got them, and later told me he was going to tell me they were unavailable and keep them for himself.
You're not alone - when passions for other collections get stirred - it's all hands on deck!
I just might have more firearms than I do model cars so I should stay mute. As a former FFL 01 gun dealer and current FFL 03 collector, I have had a near lifelong interest in shooting and gun collecting - especially high-end old Colt's. I'm still licensed to teach gun safety courses and serve as a range gun safety officer but have limited our shooting at the Sportsman's Club to our son and myself.
Any gun from the Colt Custom Shop is considered something very special - I hate that you and they were parted! I still have several and a few belonging to 'special people' that will likely be buried with me. (We bought mausoleum's many years ago, overlooking our beloved Smoky Mountains - but now I'm thinking about being buried in my gun vault instead! - HA!!)
