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  • Auction Catalog #4094
  • Lot #1574
Lot #1573
Lot #1575

Lot 1574: The Bank of Findlay Cased Set of Colt "Snake" Revolvers

The Bank of Findlay Cased Set of Colt "Snake" Double Action Revolvers with Boxes

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 3, 2025

Lot 1574: The Bank of Findlay Cased Set of Colt "Snake" Revolvers

The Bank of Findlay Cased Set of Colt "Snake" Double Action Revolvers with Boxes

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 3, 2025

Estimated Price: $5,500 - $8,500
Price Realized:
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A) Colt Python Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Python
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 357 Magnum
Barrel: 6 inch vent rib
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 796
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 478
Class: Modern Handgun
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with some light streaking and crisp rifling.
Description:

Manufactured in 1982, this Colt Python revolver and the Diamondback cased with it were both part of a certificate of deposit promotion run by The Bank of Findlay, located in the small village of Findlay, Illinois, in 1983. The concept of the promotion was that the bank offered pre-paid interest on a six-year, $2,500 certificate of deposit in the form of these cased revolvers. The promotion initially began quietly before being picked up by the national news, including the CBS Morning News show flying the bank vice-president, Greg Bohlen, out to New York to appear on their show. Once the promotion hit national news, interest exploded, with the bank president claiming to have gotten orders from all over the United States, sometimes as many as 100 in a single day. At the time it was thrust into the spotlight, Findlay was a village of less than 900 people and the bank was worth about $7 million. One news article claims that this promotion increased the banks earnings by about $3 million, as well as netting a profit of $150,000 for Wooters Sports Shop in Findlay, which had been struggling its way through the economic recession. It is reported that around 3,000 of these sets were issued by the bank by the time the promotion ended, with far fewer surviving in a complete state like this one. This Python was produced with standard markings and features. Includes a hardwood case that houses both revolvers with a plaque fitted to the interior marked "The Bank of Findlay" and "Findlay, Illinois 1983" as well as a business card for Wooters Sports Shop in Findlay. Also includes the original box.

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retains 98% plus of the original blue finish with some very slight edge wear and a faint cylinder turn line. The grips are also excellent with a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some light handling/storage marks. The box is fine showing moderate wear and applied orange tape.



B) Colt Diamondback Revolver in .22 L.R.

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Diamondback
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 22 LR
Barrel: 6 inch vent rib
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 796
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 478
Class: Modern Handgun
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with some light streaking and crisp rifling.
Description:

Manufactured in 1982 with standard markings and features. Cased with "A". Includes the original box.

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retains 98% plus of the original blue finish with only the slightest handling marks and a faint cylinder turn line, The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine showing moderate edge/corner wear and some orange tape. A seldom seen promotional set of Colt Snake revolvers!



Customer Product Questions

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