This is an extremely rare early Grant-Hammond prototype/tool room "blow-forward" model test pistol. The Grant-Hammond Manufacturing Co. of Hartford Conn., is best know for it earlier large frame 45ACP semi-automatic pistols that were submitted to the US Ordnance Dept for Army testing in circa 1915/16. However, prior to that time the Grant-Hammond also experimented with several earlier patents for a small frame blow-forward design in Oct 1912 and July 1913 that were similar to those manufactured in Europe. The company was actually granted patents on those designs in 1915, which would probably indicate this pistol was manufactured circa 1913-1915 time frame. It has a round barrel, fixed/mounted to the frame with recoil spring mounted around the outside of the barrel. It is recoil actuated which allows the slide and barrel jacket to blow forward, to start the cycling actions. The breech-bolt remains in a stationary/locked position (forward) during firing and then is pushed backward when the barrel jacket and slide housing recoil to the rear. It has a fixed front and rear sight and is fitted with a set of smooth walnut grip panels. The pistol has no proof marks or serial number and remains totally in the white, unblued metal finish. This is probably the only Grant-Hammond small frame prototype in the white ever produced.

Very fine overall with all the metal surfaces still remaining completely in the white. The grips are also in very fine showing minor handling marks on both sides. The pistol hand cycles and functions correctly. A very interesting early American designed semi-automatic pistol.