Firearm appraisal report · PM-2026-84446
Sample valuation report
An example of the full report design. Sample reports are view-only and cannot be downloaded.
Firearm appraisal report
- Intended use
- Insurance scheduling, estate planning and sale preparation
- Type of value
- Fair market value
- Effective date of value
- October 1, 2026
- Inspection
- Desktop review of submitted photographs; no physical inspection
- Prepared by
- Jordan Avery, International Society of Appraisers (ISA)
- Market signal
- Strong and rising collector demand; classic blued Pythons have appreciated steadily over the past five years.
| No. | Firearm | Condition | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colt Python, .357 Magnum | Excellent · 92% | $3,200 |
The appraisal conclusion of this report is the fair market value shown above. The figures below are not separate opinions of value; they show where the same firearm sits across other market levels for reference, and the fair market figure remains the appraised value.
| Market level | Basis | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale / liquidation | Dealer cash acquisition or accelerated sale | $2,400 |
| Dealer trade-in | Credit toward another purchase at a dealer | $2,800 |
| Fair market / private sale | Expected arm's-length transaction | $3,200 |
| Retail replacement | Dealer inventory or insurance schedule | $4,100 |
| High retail / auction | Strong collector demand or premium auction result | $5,125 |
Colt Python
- Manufacturer
- Colt
- Model / platform
- Python
- Caliber / gauge
- .357 Magnum
- Production period
- 1978 production
- Overall grade
- Excellent
- Condition estimate
- 92%
- Inspection
- Photographs only
Original royal blue finish retains approximately 92% coverage with light holster wear at the muzzle and cylinder turn line. Walnut checkered grips show minor handling marks. Bore is bright with sharp rifling; lockup is tight with no endshake.
- 01High original finish retention (approximately 92%)
- 02Matching serial numbers on all major components
- 03Desirable 6-inch ventilated rib barrel configuration
- 04Original walnut checkered grips with Colt medallion
- 05Strong collector market for classic blued Pythons
Serial-number guidance: Serial number falls within Colt's 1978 production range for the Python. Matching numbers confirmed on frame, crane, and cylinder.
Submitted evidence
All photographs supplied with this appraisal are reproduced below. Image review is limited to visible surfaces and details.
Photographs cannot establish bore condition, mechanical safety, matching serials, concealed refinishing, internal modifications, authenticity of markings, or provenance. Those factors may materially change value and require hands-on examination by a qualified professional.
A brief history of the Colt Python
Introduced in 1955, the Colt Python was marketed as a premium revolver and became known for its hand-fitted action and distinctive ventilated rib barrel. Production of the classic model ended in 1999, and original blued examples in high condition have become sought-after collector pieces. This example's 1978 production date places it in the heart of the Python's classic era.
This summary is AI-generated general background for the model line, not documented provenance for this specific firearm. Verify production dates and variations with factory letters or recognized reference works.
Scope, method and limiting conditions
Submitted photographic evidence. Visible markings, configuration, finish, wear, and apparent condition in the photographs supplied for this report.
AI-assisted visual identification. Image analysis was used to propose the manufacturer, model family, caliber or gauge, production period, and visible value factors.
Condition-based valuation model. The three value ranges are model-generated USD estimates adjusted to the selected condition percentage and intended sale channel.
Market-data limitation. No live auction, dealer inventory, subscription price guide, serial-number registry, or completed-sale database was queried for this report.
- 01Evaluating Firearms Condition · NRA Museums — article by Jim Supica
Published modern and antique firearm condition terminology used as a grading-method reference.
https://www.nramuseum.org/gun-info-research/evaluating-firearms-condition.aspx - 02NRA Condition Standards Reference · Blue Book Publications
Reproduction of descriptive condition standards for cross-checking grading language.
https://v2.bluebookofgunvalues.com/pdfs/gun/NRACondition.pdf - 03Gun Information & Research · NRA National Firearms Museum
Public firearm terminology, proof-mark, and date-of-manufacture reference index.
https://www.nramuseum.org/gun-info-research/ - 04Blue Book of Gun Values · Blue Book Publications
Independent model, serialization, grading, and market-reference resource for manual verification.
https://bluebookofgunvalues.com/ - 05Past Auction Successes · Rock Island Auction Company
Historical auction-results resource for manually checking comparable firearms and documented sale context.
https://www.rockislandauction.com/consignment/past-auction-successes
This report began as an AI-assisted desktop valuation and was reviewed and signed by the appraiser named on the following page, who is solely responsible for the opinion of value and the credentials stated. Proofmark Valuation Company does not issue, verify the scope of, or guarantee appraiser credentials beyond confirming the application on file. The listed references are not represented as live data sources. Follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Appraiser's certification
I certify that I have reviewed this report, that the statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and that I have no present or contemplated interest in the property.
- Appraiser
- Jordan Avery
- Firm
- Avery Firearms Appraisal LLC
- Credentialing body
- International Society of Appraisers (ISA)
- Credential / license no.
- ISA-AM-10482
- State
- Texas
- Years of experience
- 14
- Contact
- https://example.com
- Inspection
- Desktop review of submitted photographs; no physical inspection
Changes from the AI draft. No changes — the appraiser adopted the generated content as written.
Appraiser remarks. Photographs were clear and sufficient for identification and condition grading. Values reflect a desktop review only.