Colt Python snubbie in electroless nickel, with just about the entire packaging at 100%. The previous owner must have taken the original, pitiful, concealment grips off, and put on the Packies the moment he got the gun home, closed up the cardboard box, and never opened it again.
The gun itself is very tight, but the electroless nickel finish can get semi-polished with just a bit of handling. But it has been fired, so I'll fire it again soon. See how the semi-custom Python compares to the S&W Model 66 snubbie. Both date from about 1967.
The 6-inch Pythons are heavy, and have a lot of barrel overhang. The snubbie seems more maneuverable, but with the skimpy original grips, you're aware of a lot of heavy machinery hanging over the top of your hand. Autoloaders have a barrel that sits a lot lower in the hand.
Wow, you’ve unearthed another classic from the treasure trove of your LGS. Considering what you’ve found over the years, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear you saw an iron-bound oak chest full of doubloons and pieces-of-eight in a long-forgotten corner.
Kudos - that is one that is rarely seen by us mere mortals.