[KMKCOLT]

You have to remember these were production guns and were not out of the custom shop back then. They just grabbed any grip and threw them on the guns. They didn't try and get exotic on them till they began producing them in the custom shop. In fact the only ones I know they tried to get a better quality grip on were the engraved ones out of the custom shop. It was luck of the draw.

 

[KMKCOLT]

Colt also used rubber and various styles of that and manufacturers. At one point all stainless guns came with rubber grips except for the Blue version of the python. I have a set of grips on an original python that looks like cherry wood not walnut but are the same color as if it was walnut. They used what ever they could get at that time. You are forgetting when in manufacturing cost is everything if I get a better deal from one company that is what I buy for my profits. I am wondering if they actually made the grips or was it made by another company like JAY Scott or who ever else. Just because it states colt doesn't mean it was made by colt.

 

[KMKCOLT]

I also wasn't considering laminate wood as exotic. I was referring to Rose wood or ebony or zebra which was offered back then made by Jay Scott and Eagle Grips later years. They sometimes were after market but some special runs were placed on by Colt at the custom shop. Examples of these would be the St. Paul PD gun or Minneapolis PD gun which were both special runs. I can also tell you that my D engraved Python came with walnut grips but were better finished than the regular run with higher gloss and better grain grip. They were very well finished and fit.