help ID colt 357 mag

[donf]

I have a colt 357 mag. revolver. I got it out of hock for an ex brother in law and ended up owning it due to non payment. At the time I was told it is a pre python. Blued finish, 4" barrel, non shrouded ejector pin, woodgrip. Markings are a horse logo with 2 slashes through it. One of these on the frame and one on a medalion on the grip. the only writing is on the barrel. COLT 357 357. MAGNUM CTG It does'nt have a vented spine. It looks like a trooper 2 but those have that written on the frame as far as I know. The pawn shop guy said it was pretty rare and offered to by it from me with a pretty good offer. that was 12 years ago. I've looked through a few catalogs and collector sites but haven't found one like it. I'm looking for ID help.
Thanks, Donf

 

[Jim Watson]

Strange as it may seem, you have a Colt .357 Magnum.
That is the model name as well as the caliber.
It was made from 1957 til 1961 alongside the Trooper which was the same except for caliber .38 Special (and .22.) In 1961 they combined the models under the Trooper name for all calibers and made that until 1969 when the completely different Trooper Mk III came out.
Not a common gun but I don't know if the collectors are paying big money for them. It would have to be in pristine condition to matter.