Lot 3266

EXP Series U.S. Union Switch & Signal Model 1911A1 Pistol

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EXP Series U.S. Union Switch & Signal Model 1911A1 Pistol

Estimate: $9,500 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $8,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare Presentation Grade "EXP" Series U.S. Union Switch & Signal Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol Representing the very beginning of 1911A1 production at Union Switch & Signal c. 1942, 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. According to Meadows on p. 145 of "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1920-1945", 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. It is theorized that these "EXP." series pistols may have been used to test various finishing techniques and thus display a variety of finishes when they appear on today's collectors market. Finished in a fine Dulite and 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". The "EXP" on this particular pistol is stamped over a marking that was removed before the pistol was finished. Typically these pistols are seen with "No" and a number following the "EXP", but this particular example is unnumbered. The full blue High Standard barrel is marked "HS" and "P" on the lug. 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, and a full blue magazine.

Manufacturer: Union Switch and Signal

Model: 1911A1

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: blue/Dulite

Grips: plastic

Serial NumberEXP

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Excellent, retains 97% of the original combination blue and Dulite finish with some visible machining marks, a patch of light wear on the left of the slide, and some scattered light handling evidence. The grips are very fine with a couple light chips on the bottom of the right panel and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rare example of the Union Switch & Signal "EXP" presentation series!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000