This unique Colt pistol carries many of the features common to the Commander line of semi-automatics including the shortened slide, lightweight aluminum frame, and serrated ring hammer. The slide is marked with the one-line Hartford address on the right side with no markings on the left, in house "GX" prefix serial number "945" on the left side to the rear of the slide catch hole, serial number repeated on top of the frame (under the slide), blue barrel with polished chamber marked "38", serrated milled trigger, arched serrated mainspring housing, checkered Colt grips, and full blue magazine marked "COLT SUPER/38 AUTO" on the base. It is known that a number of early experimental Commander style pistols were shipped to the Springfield Armory for testing. These pistols are listed in "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols: 1945-2012" by Edward Scott Meadows. While this specific number is not listed, its very close proximity to the known government test pistols is highly interesting and may warrant further research. According to R.L. Wilson in "The Book of Colt Firearms," "The first Commander received in Colt's Shipping Department was #GX944, a 9mm, April 4, 1949," which is one serial number away from this pistol, GX945.

Excellent overall with 98% original blue and anodized finishes, and traces of light edge wear and small surface scratches. Grips are also excellent. Mechanically excellent. A very interesting experimental Colt.