Confirmed by the included Colt factory letter, this pistol was a sample and display pistol of special edition kept by the Colt factory. The letter also confirms caliber, barrel length, blue finish with gold etched State of Mississippi Edition slide motifs, and grips absent. Complete with Colt "wood grain" box with Custom Shop label numbered to the gun and marked "no grips sent to customer", as well as reference to "Archives". Also includes a shipping invoice dated 08/16/82 indicating that pistol was "to be placed in archives" and a second shipping invoice dated 6/7/87 indicating that original pewter grips were removed from this pistol and sent to a customer.

Excellent. The pistol retains over 99% original blue finish with a few light handling marks. Chamber shows some minor wear. Box is very good with taped end label and a detached short end. Missing grips (see above note).