NRA Foundation Auctions 100th Anniversary Model 1911 from Colt Manufacturing
FAIRFAX, VA –-(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation proudly announces the donation of a unique Anniversary Model 1911 pistol from Colt’s Manufacturing Company. Celebrating 100 years of the 1911, the commemorative pistol is currently up for auction on GunBroker.com.
After being formally adopted by the Army in the year 1911, the pistol gained its designation as the Colt Model 1911 and was adopted by both the Navy and Marine Corps in 1913. During a century of service, the 1911 served as a staple of the United States military and as an iconic symbol for it. Among those who used it, the 1911 won a reputation for unmatched ruggedness, reliability and effectiveness.
The pistol, based on the model O1918, features over 300 hours of hand engraving by Colt master engravers in classic American style scroll. Authentic ivory grips display images of Sam Colt and a WWI Doughboy holding a Model 1911. High relief 24 karat gold inlays feature the text “100 years of Faithful Service” and the Colt Dome on the top of the slide and a profile of John Browning with the serial number “1911COLT001” on the right side. The left side includes the text “1911 2011” with the Rampant Colt inlaid in the center.
This one-of-a-kind firearm is being auctioned on GunBroker.com with a hand-made walnut museum-style display case donated by Brookfield Case of Coopersville, Michigan to support the unending battle for protection of Americans’ right to bear arms. The auction will end during The National NRA Foundation Banquet at the 2011 NRA Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
To commemorate this rare opportunity, the 100th Anniversary Colt Model 1911-Master Engraved Edition winning bidder will receive Colt’s hand-drawn sketches, signed by each of the engravers, in a custom frame with NRA coin and lapel pin. In addition to this unique firearm auction, the future 1911COLT001 owner will also have the opportunity to tour Colt’s Manufacturing Facility in Connecticut with a Colt Executive.
Lieutenant General William M. Keys, USMC (ret.), President and Chief Executive Officer of Colt’s Manufacturing Company, stated, “In 1911, we teamed up with John Browning and commissioned him to design a pistol chambered in .45 Automatic Colt Pistol to win the Army’s new pistol competition. Now, 100 years later, it’s our rare privilege, as the original maker of the Model 1911 pistol, to team up with The NRA Foundation to furnish this Anniversary Model for sale to the highest bidder.”
“Colt’s generous donation will assist The NRA Foundation in securing the future of NRA’s programs for the American public to experience,” said John DaSilva, National Manager, Events and Marketing of NRA Field Operations. “The support from our industry partners is vital in our successful mission and grassroots efforts to service the needs of NRA’s programs.”
To purchase tickets for the 2011 National NRA Foundation Banquet, visit www.nraam.org or call 703-267-1417. Live bidding is currently underway at www.gunbroker.com and concludes on the night of the event on 4/28 at 9:00 PM EST.
The NRA Foundation is the country’s leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports, awarding more than $140 million in grants since its inception in 1990. Through its efforts, the Foundation provides essential funding for programs such as youth education, law enforcement training, conservation, and marksmanship training.