Hello. I am new to the forum and first time owner to a SIG pistol. Although I am somewhat knowledgeable about them. I was hoping someone could give me some info on a P226 I just found among my late father's belongings. Date code is JB. Serial Number is U 85XXX. It was in a brown miltary type two piece cardboard box which seems to be original as it has factory stickers on the cover and is stamped Sigarms. But it doesn't look like any factory cardboard boxes I have seen with other Sig pistols. Also the grips are checkered completely like the P225 as opposed to the original 226 grips which were smooth near the top of the grips,and the screw holes of the grips have a smooth ring around them like the P225 grips. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

You've got a U.S. Pistol Trials prototype

U 85941 through U 95980-1981/1982 prototypes-used in the U.S. pistol evaluation trials per Lorenz Vetter in his book "Das gross Buch der SIG-pistolen"

If you decide to share some pictures with the group, I can host them for you.

The brown Kraft card board box is how the 1911s were shipped to Uncle Sam. Pictures indeed.

Welcome to the forum

Welcome to SIGforum...AND Very Sorry for your loss!

I'm sure MANY here would be grateful if you could share pics of your P226 prototype, myself included. I'm definitely intrigued as I don't believe I've actually ever seen one.

That's quite an heirloom your Father left for you! I'm certain you'll cherish such a rare piece of history!

Very interesting specimen you have. Sorry for your father’s passing though.

I find it very interesting that your father had it and just thinking about how he came by it or where he got it from would be really interesting to know. Guessing he never passed any of its history on to you though.

Also a big Welcome to you as well.

The pistol is proofed 1981 and has what appears to be the original box, which is stamped SIGARMS.

SIGARMS was established in January, 1985. The pistol was in the possession of SIG in 1985 or later and was likely acquired through them.

If you would be amenable to it I’m sure we’d all love pictures.

Some years back somebody else came across a prototype P228 and that was fascinating to see as would this.

Sorry to hear about your loss and how you came across your pistol. I hate being the recipient of the possessions of those we lose even if I know they would want me to have them. I’ve just never felt right benefiting from the passing of others and only have ever really wanted very specific nostalgic items so I know it’s probably both exciting and difficult to come across something like this.

Don’t know if you’re aware, muttofomaha, but your first response, and the definitive one, is from the owner of SigForum. He is the mother hen of our brood and we are a lively but friendly bunch. Stick around!

By the way: you can buy Das Grosse Buch der SIG-Pistolen on Amazon. It is used, and will set you back $1,006.96 plus shipping.