Source: ATF P 5300.11 · Curios or Relics List · Jan 1972 – Apr 20253,573 entries · 4 sections
The C&R RegisterA finding aid to the ATF Curios or Relics List, for Type 03 collectors
C&R · II · 211

Colt Python 3-inch, Thirion engraved

Section II: curio or relic, still subject to the Gun Control Act

Official wording

ATF P 5300.11 · APRIL 2025 EDITION · SECTION II · VERBATIM · PDF P. 8 ↗

Colt, Python Model revolver, cal. .357, having a barrel length of 3 inches, with factory Type A engraving by Denise Thirion, in a presentation case with accessories, S/N T21895.

What this entry requires

  • ATF REQUIRESYour firearm is this edition: “with factory Type A engraving by Denise Thirion”
  • ATF REQUIRESYour firearm is this edition: “in a presentation case with accessories”
  • ATF REQUIRESConfigured as the ATF wording states: “having a barrel length of 3 inches”
  • ATF REQUIRESYour serial number is one ATF listsATF: “S/N T21895”
  • INFOATF states no date; production was about 1970–1985.

Editorial facts · Our research

Low editorial confidence. Some details below couldn’t be confirmed from independent sources. The ATF wording is unaffected. About confidence

Country
United States
Manufacturer
Colt's Firearms
Type
Pistol
Action
Other
Caliber
.357 Magnum
Made
S/N T21895 · c. 1970–1985production; ATF states no date¹
Service
Commercial
Search listings ↗Check a specific gunReport an error ↗

Source

Official wording
ATF P 5300.11, April 2025 edition · Section II · PDF p. 8 ↗ · ATF original ↗
Entries
1 line
Verbatim check
Checked against the PDF text before every release
Editorial facts
Confidence: Low · Last revised 18 October 2026 (Evidence pass) · How we rate confidence
References
  1. Wikipedia, “Colt Python” ↗, years: Python first shipped 1955; line discontinued c.2000–2005
Fact tags
  • ATF the ATF wording states it.
  • REF ¹ an outside reference supports it; the number points to the list of references.
  • ESTIMATE an approximate or indirect reading, for example the production range of the base model.
  • NO CITATION we haven’t attached a reference for this fact; it’s our editorial reading, not ATF’s.
Source checked
20 October 2026: ATF’s page still lists the April 2025 edition
Corrections
None

Historical context

Colt Python (base model shown for Colt Python 3-inch, Thirion engraved)
Shown: the base Colt Python, not this 3-inch Thirion-engraved presentation revolver.

Image: Wikimedia Commons, “Colt-Python.jpg” by The original uploader was Jeff Dean at German Wikipedia., Attribution. Retrieved October 2026.

Summary: Wikipedia, “Colt Python”. Text CC BY-SA 4.0.

FROM WIKIPEDIA

The Colt Python is a double action/single action revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. It was first introduced in 1955 by the Colt's Manufacturing Company.