This is a nice example of a desirable post WWII USAF type "Colt Aircrewmans" service revolver. In 1951 the Air Force contracted with Colt for a special light-weight all aluminum snub-nose double action revolver, for fighter and bomber pilots and aircrewman. The total production run was for 1,189 revolvers and they were required to have an all aluminum cylinder and frame to save weight. However after receipt of the entire contract delivery, it was determined that the aluminum cylinder was too weak to withstand even limited firing with the 38 Special cartridge. So they were all ordered to be returned to Colt for disposition and or destruction. Supposedly Colt did replace the aluminum cylinders with a steel version on a few of the pistols and later sold some parts on the secondary market. However the aluminum frame was considered US Government property and a liability so most were destroyed. It is estimated that approximately one to two dozen sets of parts may have survived in original condition. This example has been nicely assembled with a later Colt commercial frame, with an original Colt steel barrel marked "AIRCREWMAN/38 SPECIAL CTG." and Colt's two-line patent and address markings on the right side, along with an aluminum cylinder and a set of original USAF grips. These unique checkered grips have a small Air Force medallion/emblem on each side in lieu of the original Colt medallions. The back strap has been correctly remarked, "PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE", along with a correct style U.S.A.F. property/serial number (AF NO. 1011) on the butt. The cylinder crane and frame have matching numbers.

Very good as assembled/remarked with 95% of the original style black anodized finish on the aluminum frame and cylinder with 95% of the blued finish on the barrel. The grips are also excellent with nice checkering with only minor nicks and chips in a couple of areas. A nice example of a desirable Colt Aircrewmans' service revolver.