Representing the very beginning of 1911A1 production at Union Switch & Signal, the "EXP." pistols were the very first trial run 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 and the right side of the frame is marked "U S & S CO./EXP. No.88". Fitted with a flat top rear sight, short stamped trigger, long grip safety, thin checkered hammer, slide stop, thumb safety, and mainspring housing, reinforced checkered grips, "L" marked full blue magazine, and a High Standard barrel. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Very fine, retains 98% plus of the factory blue finish with some very light edge wear and a few scattered light handling marks. the grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.