[stewy]

Does this set of grips look to be correct first generation python grips?

 

[gruesome]

all python grips had gold meds. they look silver

 

[stewy]

Sorry, the medallions are gold. They just kinda look silver in the pictures, some of the gold is worn a little thin. Thanks, Stewy

 

[tacticalhillbilly]

The inside looks Gold! Just like the 73 stocks in my post!

 

[DrDuc]

They look legit to me.

 

[d.a.r.y.l]

If they are 1st gens they have been badly abused.The insides almost looks burned.The checkering on the right hand one looks to have been recut at some time.JMO D*

 

[keystonearms]

Yes they are 1st Generation Python Grips.

Interesting to note there is no Border on the Gold Medallions. It has been outlined in several threads here on the Forum that will help approximately what year they belong on. Shooting from the hip they are a bit later in the 50s.

Judge Colt is the expert and should be along soon enough to help.

 

[Collects]

They look legit to me, but I agree that the right stock pane has been recut by somebody who is not as skilful as our own Swamprat, or the Colt factory. If the medallions are gold, they are Python stocks; if silver, then the stocks were original on a Colt 357, Officer Model Match, Trooper 357...maybe one or two others.

The right side stock panel wears faster for right-handed use of the revolver than the left stock pane. That might explain why only the right stock panel looks recut.

 

[nickelplate]

My experience in working with walnut wood over the years is that it appears to me that looking at the insides photo you have a set of grips that have undergone multiple cycles of water, moisture or high humidity that in turn leaves the dark to black stain. Also look at the bottom inside of the grips-the milky gray/white discoloration could be from mold.

 

[stewy]

Thanks gentlemen, as always you guys are a wealth of knowledge. I am going to try to post them in the wts section tomorrow and I didn't want to misrepresent them. Thanks, Stewy

 

[Smoke-Wagon]

Lemme take those old, moldy grips off your hands and I'll send you a nice, new set of hogue rubber grips.

 

[Nlmadog]

I like those grips too ! Swaprat can fix them up like new!

 

[Collects]

That dark almost black color is normal in early Colt Full Checkered Stocks (and evidence of exposure to excessive moisture is absent). Later Colt Full Checkered Stocks were of a more dark brown oiled walnut color. The color changed over time, during the manufacturing life of the Colt Full Checkered Stocks, my personal favorite stocks. I cannot give you a transitional dates on the color change.