America Remembers has announced the Salute to the Military Tribute Pistol, built on a working Colt Model 1903 .32 ACP cal. pistol, issued in a limited edition of 250.
Created by John Moses Browning near the turn of the 20th century, the American-made pistol was one of the first semi-automatics on the market, and was huge hit with civilians and police officers for decades. Forty years after it was introduced, the Colt 1903 was called to serve. During World War II, the U.S. military adopted the Colt Model 1903 as a standard sidearm for general officers, many of whom carried the pistol in the line of duty. Among recipients of the officially issued Colt 1903 were legendary generals such as Eisenhower, Bradley, Marshall and Patton. The Colt 1903 served dutifully through the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s until it faded from service in the early 1970s.
In an agreement with U.S. Armament Corp., Colt has brought back the Colt Model 1903 “General Officer’s Pistol” in all of its former glory. These elegant and historic firearms have the same finish and markings as the original sidearm, including original patent marks and a “U.S. property” mark on the slide and frame.
Many collectors consider the Model 1903 a marvel of simplicity and one of Browning’s greatest design accomplishments. The Salute to the Military Tribute Pistol is faithful to the legendary original, with its iconic profile and single-action blowback design remaining intact.
The pistol, a favorite for the U.S. military, is best described from a page from Colt’s 1940 catalog: “powerful, accurate and utterly dependable.” For many historic firearms collectors, this reissue marks the return of one of Colt’s greatest firearms, and a firearm with a distinguished military career. Only 250 of the Salute to the Military Tribute Colt 1903 Pistols will be produced.
The Salute to the Military Tribute Pistol is polished and decorated with 24-karat gold and nickel, featuring artwork in a special black chrome background to boldly accentuate the design. All of the pistol’s hardware has been decorated in 24-karat gold, including the grip screws, slide stop, sights, safety lock and magazine catch. Gold-decorated Rampant Colt medallions are set in the center of each of the checkered walnut grips.
Artwork on the right and left sides of the slide depicts the stars and stripes. Throughout history the American flag has served as a symbol of our national pride and a beacon of democracy for the world. During World War II, it rallied us as a nation, whether flying tattered and half-mast at Pearl Harbor or hoisted triumphantly on Iwo Jima. In peacetime it serves as a constant reminder of the ideals we hold sacred.
In addition to the stars and stripes, the top of the slide showcases custom artwork that honors the legacy of the American military. Toward the muzzle end, a set of dog tags is pictured, emblazoned with the phrases: “Land of the Free, Because of the Brave—Freedom is Never Free.” Those words help us to never forget the sacrifices made by those who served, and continue to serve, in the United States military.
On the top of the slide is a portrait of an American Bald Eagle, circled with a banner that reads “Salute to the Military—Defenders of Freedom.”
For more information or to reserve your pistol. please visit AmericaRemembers.com. Delivery will be arranged through the FFL dealer of your choice.
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