Brastil M1911
In 1932, Colt ordered a small batch of modified M1911 pistols from Doehler Die Casting Co. of Toledo, Ohio– the largest producer of die-cast metal in the world. The thing about Doehler is that they were known at the time for a high tensile strength corrosion resistant bronze alloy called “Brastil.”
As such, the experimental guns used standard M1911 internals, wooden grip panels, and a receiver and slide made of die-cast Brastil rather than forged steel.
They certainly were distinctive, almost fit for Christopher Lee.
In the end, only two Brastil M1911s were made and this one, SN#2, has been in the collection of the Springfield Armory since 16 August 1932.