According to all the Colt books, Nickel plating as an option was not even in a catalog until 1951 and even then they were made in such small numbers until the early to mid 1960's that even Paul at Colt said they were extremely scarce before that time. The earliest post war nickel .45 that we have seen in last ten years was an example made in 1959. The factory letter on this one confirms finish, made in 1953 and shipped to sporting goods shop in Chicago in 1954. The gun is mint and looking inside , appears to have only been factory test fired, mint in and out. Gun has vintage pearl grips but letter lists stocks as unlisted so most likely put on by retailer. Excellent original box has proper number on bottom and matching end label. The original wax wrapped cleaning brush is also included. If you collect rare model 1911's and have been looking for a nickel pre 1960 example, you know how rare this gun really is. Just a stunning example for an advanced collection correct and mint in every respect.