This is a excellent example of the seldom encountered Colt Model SSP Automatic Pistol in 9MM. Only a handful of these SSP models were ever actually made (estimated at somewhere around 30-50 pistols total) by the Colt company in response to the Department of Defense solicitation for a new service pistol to replace the Model 1911A1 .45 Automatic. The original Colt Model 1971, as it was called, was designed and developed by the Research and Development Department of Colt Industries just prior to 1971/72 time frame and displayed some very unique features; namely it had a double stacked magazine, hammer block safety; single and double action mechanism, and a stainless steel slide and frame. Colt's intentions with this pistol were actually two fold; one it was intended to be the next evolution of the famous Model 1911A1 pistol, to help Colt's sagging sales on the US commercial market, with new updated features like the double action mechanism and all stainless steel frame and slide; second to compete for any future U.S. or Foreign Government military contracts, as well as any other World Wide Commercial sales against any other company. The "Model 1971 Double Action" pistol nomenclature continued for several years until the late 1970s, where it was changed to the "SSP" (Stainless Steel Pistol) when the U.S. Government announced its intentions to replace the Model 1911A1 Service Automatic. This actual version of SSP handgun (in 9mm) was submitted by the Colt Company on two different occasions to the U.S. Government for testing and evaluation against the New XM9 Performance Specification requirements. The first time was in early 1980 and the second time was in early 1984. It was during the second series of tests that the Beretta 92F pistol won out over the Colt SSP and was selected to become the new M9, 9mm military handgun. Each one of these pistols was virtually handmade and it is estimated that approximately 30-50 total pistols were produced for the U.S. Government test. The specification/solicitation required approximately 30 test samples submitted (of which all were destroyed in testing or not returned to Colt) which would leave 10-20 potential examples remaining today. This pistol, is marked on the right side of the left side of the slide; "COLT'S MODEL SSP/9mm" and the right side of the frame is marked with "COLT'S PT.FA. MFG.CO. HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A." over serial number "GX9736" and it has the Colt checkered walnut grips with the silver medallions at the top. It was manufactured with a stainless steel slide and frame that retains the milled and matted/bead blast contracting metal surface. Several of these SSP's were given away to top ranking members of the military in hope of favors after the competition. Gen Curtis LeMay is known to have had one of these.)

Excellent overall with only minor surface handling marks here and there with show signs of some very limited test firing. The grips are also in excellent condition showing no handling marks any where. Just an exciting example of probably the RAREST modern day Colt double action pistol, certainly would be the center piece of any advanced Colt military collection. Certainly would be worth doing some additional research on this specific pistol.