Folks,
My one and only Python (4"; SN is a 1978 mfg date) came from a pawn shop almost 15 years ago.
It was filthy - caked in carbon build-up, hardened grease and rust(!) on the right side of the barrel under lug.
It looked like the previous owner stored it in the trunk of his car.
It was also missing the front sight blade and had terrible "custom" grips,.
*but* it had perfect lock-up with absolutely no cylinder movement.



Cleaned-up, new blade and laminated Colt grips later, it is a 6-shot, one-ragged-hole performer with .38 Spl wad cutters at 15 yds. It will never be a show piece and has some wear, but is a great gun.
The rust left a little pitting in the mirror finish once the grime was gone, *but* I've never seen another Python with a messed-up roll mark like this one...



WTH was the inspector thinking?
Anyone see anything like this on a Trooper, PP, or other Colt (let alone a Python)?

If so, please chime in (and no, its not for sale)
Cheers, Otto


5/11/2015 Eidted to add:
Thanks for the responses.
I think it is unique also and enjoy shooting it.
Cheers, Otto

Somebody was hung over when they stamped that one

Wow! Am I seeing double? Or was the guy who roll marked it seeing double?

These "double" marks are not at all common, but do show up every now and then.
When you make hundreds of thousands of something, mistakes get made.

"Stampings" are actually applied with a high pressure roll marking die that's rolled across the surface.
Once in a while the part may slip in the jig and you get a more or less obvious double impression.

In most cases this will lower the value of the gun.

Congrats.  Very unique.  I really like it.  It shoots and it's got character.  Very cool.

hard to believe that passed the quality control at Colt, or the original dealer did not return it.  

Your project turned out nice, enjoy it.