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, while the right side of the slide is blank. No U.S. inspector or property markings are present, and the right side of the frame is marked "U S & S CO/EXP No 12". Fitted with a flat top rear sight, short stamped trigger, long grip safety, thin checkered hammer, slide stop, thumb safety, and mainspring housing, Keyes Fiber checkered grips, "S" marked full blue magazine, and a full blue High Standard barrel marked "HS" and "P" on the lug. Includes an M1912 squad pistol cleaning kit in the "US" marked metal case that includes 10 cleaning rods, a number of pin punch/screwdrivers, an oiler can, an empty tin, 10 bore brushes, and what appears to be the original paper wrapping marked "KIT, PISTOL CLEANING M 1912".

Excellent, retains 98% plus of the factory applied presentation grade blue finish with a few scattered light handling marks and some slight thinning on the chamber of the barrel. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The cleaning kit is very fine showing minimal evidence of the use, appearing to have primarily been stored, and the exterior paper wrapping showing moderate wear and tears.