missing serial number on my Colt Python

[bigmoose1]

Recently posted about inheriting some firearms from my dad and got a lot of great advice (thanks, gents!). One of the guns in the collection is a .357 Colt Magnum Python in mint condition. Only problem is, I can't locate a serial number. So I need a little more help:

-Is it possible this gun does not have one?
-If I want to sell it, do I need a serial number for it?
-How do I get one?
-Is there a reputable dealer in my area that can help? I am located in San Francisco but am mobile, so Sacramento area isn't out of the question.

Thanks for any help!

[stevie]

did you try and check the grip frame? maybe remove the grips? Just a suggestion, my pythons had the s/n on the frame and you saw it when the cylinder is opened.

[bigmoose1]

think i found serial number...could this be it?

sure enough, i opened the cylinder and there's a number there. Theres a mark that looks like a "V" then the letter "A" and a series of four numbers. would that be it?

Sorry to seem like a moron, total novice here.

[Kruzr]

That is the serial number. Looks like it was made in 1980.
Here is a listing of Python serial numbers and the years of production up to 1985:

Year Serial Number
1955 1
1956 300
1957 1650
1958 5550
1959 7050
1960 9100
1961 13100
1962 18800
1963 24800
1964 30800
1965 41400
1966 50500
1967 61000
1968 73800
1969 90000-99999 90000, Start "E" series-- E1001
1970 E6301
1971 E21201
1972 E38001
1973 E53501
1974 E61001
1975 E83701-E99999, 01001E to 15000E
1976 15001E-48300E
1977 48301E-86200E
1978 86201E-99999E, 01001N to ????, V01001
1979 V36737
1980 V88374 to V99999, AL0101 to AL9999, LA0101 to LA9999, VA1001 to VA9256. K01000 to ????
1981 K16266
1982 K75748
1983 K99999. T01001 to ????
1984 T27541
1985 T34453