The Centimeter was the genesis of the 40 caliber as we have come to know it today. The cartridge, designed by Whit Collins (the progenitor of the 10mm) was technically developed by Paul Liebenberg (pistol) and Bud Watson (ammunition) and adapted to the 1911 handgun. A number of years went by with this cartridge stuck in the realm of a wild cat until S&W took it on and renamed it the 40 S&W. Much has been written about the Centimeter/40 but for the most accurate information on the origins of the cartridge and gun click here and here.

Photo by Ichiro Nagata