This is an extremely rare example of the Colt Model SSP Automatic Pistol. Only a handful of these SSP models were ever actually made (estimated at somewhere around 30-50 pistols total) by Colt in response to the Department of Defense solicitation for a new service pistol to replace the Model 1911A1. 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 and of course was chambered in the old stand-by 45 ACP. Colt's intentions with this pistol were two fold; one for it to be the next evolution of the famous Model 1911A1 pistol, with new updated features, like the double action mechanism and double stack magazine capacity intended to help Colt's sagging US commercial and world-wide sales; second to compete on any future U.S. Army solicitation requirement to replace the aging M1911A1 pistols. The Model 1971 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. A similar version of this SSP handgun (only in 9mm) was submitted by Colt 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 Model 9, 9mm military handgun. Each one of these pistols regardless of the caliber was virtually handmade. As noted, it is estimated that less than 50 pistols total were produced with this being in the old reliable 45 ACP cartridge. This pistol is marked on the left side of the slide; "COLT'S MODEL SSP/45 ACP.", and the right side of the frame is marked with "COLT'S PT.FA. MFG.CO. HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A." over serial number "GX9778". The chamber area is also stamped ".45 ACP". It is fitted with a set of checkered walnut grips with the Colt silver medallions at the top on each grip panel. The complete pistol was manufactured out of stainless steel to include the frame, slide and internal parts with the sides of the frame and slide being milled with the other surfaces bearing the dull, unpolished matte finish. Several of these SSPs were given away to top ranking members of the military to curry favors after the competition such as General Curtis LeMay. It certainly would be worth doing some additional Colt research on this specific pistol. Magazine absent.