If it is a shooter to you, it might not be that big of a deal. For resale, it won't get as much if it has been polished to a bright stainless.

I, personaly, would return it.

 

If the label does NOT say bright stainless that would mean Colt or somebody outside of Colt polished that gun.

 

I think you guys have it wrong. If the serial on the box does not match the gun than it was not polished it's just the wrong box for the gun.

@ $1,799 for an ANIB stainless I would return it. That's way too much for a shooter and as an investment you are looking at a price decrease with the wrong box.

Let us know what happens. Cabellas should work with you.

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

 

I believe that he states that the serial # on the box does match the gun. More than likely the gun was polished by the previous owner. As far as keeping it? Well that does seem pretty steep for a shooter. Also how long will you keep it. 5 years 10 years ? The prices will keep edging up.

 

Also for what it's worth I picked up a brushed stainless 1983 ( I think, I forget) 6" shooter with original grips, in 95%+ condition with manual only (no box/paperwork) 2 weeks ago for $1,300 out the door including tax & transfer fees.

See attached...

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

 

Ah yes I read it wrong...OP states it does match...

Return it...definitely...

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

 

Was that the one for sale in SD? I think it is plenty of money also if it was altered.

 

They did come down on the price and still dont know what to do.

 

Negotiate as low a price as possible. If it is low enough to suit you, take a worn fine ScotchBrite pad and return the finish to brushed finish. Problem solved.

I had a client who bought a "self-polished" Anaconda and it worked fine for him to make the gun match its box label again.

 

A moot point, but I think it's possible for the label to be incorrect?



Couldn't it be determined if it was polished after the fact......by the usual rounding of rollmarks and such?

 

Incorrect Label?

I think it is within the realm of possibility that the label is incorrect. I have several Frontier Scouts with incorrect information on the label. The guns letter correctly, but someone made a mistake when labelling the box. You might try calling Joe Canali at Colt Archives. He has been very helpful to me in digging out this type of information.

- - Buckspen

 

+1

I think it is within the realm of possibility that the label is incorrect. I have several Frontier Scouts with incorrect information on the label. The guns letter correctly, but someone made a mistake when labelling the box. You might try calling Joe Canali at Colt Archives. He has been very helpful to me in digging out this type of information.

- - Buckspen

 

I just noticed the OP stated this is a Python "Elite". I didn't see that before. Did they make a Python Elite in brushed stainless? I can't recall ever seeing or hearing of one. If not then the box is wrong.

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

 

Actually, factory stainless steel finish Elite's are common but the factory bright stainless finish Elite's are pretty rare.

 

I have a brushed stainless Elite right now! WOOOOOHOOOOO!

 

What year did the Bright ones come out? was there only one year? By looking at the roll marks its hard to say, there all crisp and no fading from being buffed out. Who ever did it was damn good at it, did he send it back to Colt? I wish I could track down the original owner who sold it to Cabela's.

They did come down on there price but I had to talk to the store manager and I think he didnt have a clue about guns or about Colt collecting.

Yes it is wrong but she sure looks sweeeeet!! I can always return it back to Colt and return it back to normal.

I want to do some more investagating.

Will I be kicked out of the Colt club...I hope not

Anybody have a close up of the roll marks or can they try to take one for me so I can compare?

 

Are these pictures close enough for you?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=161733332