Possibly originally manufactured in the 1930s and then finished later to part satin. Nickel plated with satin finished cylinder, frame top, and front sight. Lanyard loop on lower grip strap. Matching XM1 prefix on frame bottom and cylinder. "XM1" also stamped under grip on right side of front and rear grip strap. Ordnance mark also present on the left side of frame. One line Colt address on top of barrel with "44 SPEC" on left side. Unique, special applied to barrel front sight with removable pin/screw front sight, two line, three patent date marking and Rampant Colt in circle on left frame side. Fitted with smooth one piece varnished walnut grips. Complete with a factory letter that indicates that a test single action revolver was numbered XM-1 357. The letter also indicates the following. Frame: special (oversize), Caliber: 44 special chambered for longer 44 cal. ammunition, Barrel Length: 7 1/2 inches, Finish: nickel, Type of stocks: one piece walnut (oversize) Date of shipment: There is no record of the revolver ever being received in the shipping room. Note: The last information as noted above was recorded in 1937. The only other information describes it as a model gun for high velocity 44 caliber ammunition. This revolver reminds writer of the reference book, "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army" by David M. Brown. Had Mr. Brown been aware of this revolver, it would have been the 37th caliber!

Very fine as factory refinished. The revolver retains 98% plus of the nickel and satin plated finish with handling/storage marks. Visible drag line on cylinder. The grips are excellent with very light handling/storage marks.