Representing the very beginning of 1911A1 production at Union Switch & Signal, the "EXP." pistols were the very first trial runs for the machinery, workers and production line at U.S.&S., during which equipment and procedures were refined and prepared for full scale wartime contract production. While the "EXP" pistols themselves were never intended for delivery to the Army, they played a critical role in preparing a company otherwise dedicated to railroad equipment to help fill America's need for quality, combat-worthy pistols. Approximately 100 "EXP" pistols were made in total, and at the conclusion of the war they were broken out of storage and finished out as a presentation series for important members of the company and selected government officials. Finished in a fine full blue, this pistol follows the overall military pattern closely, with the company address and trademark on the left side of the slide and model nomenclature on the right. No U.S. inspector or property markings are present, an "M" is stamped behind the serrations on the slide, and the right grip panel has been cleanly lowered to accommodate the "U S & S CO./EXP. No19" marking on the frame. Fitted with a flat top rear sight, short stamped trigger, long grip safety, thin checkered hammer, slide stop, thumb safety and mainspring housing, reinforced Keyes Fiber grips, "L" marked full blue magazine and a High Standard barrel. Included with the pistol is a collector's plain brown "kraft" style box with "#19" penciled on the lid.