May 12-14, 2026 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #1192:
(M) 2026 FEGA MASTER SERIES ENGRAVED "THEATER COMMANDERS OF WWII" COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL 1911A1 .45 ACP SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL WITH CASE.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/12/2026
This 1911 is the 2026 auction gun to support the Firearms Engravers Guild of America, showcasing the work of some of the finest engravers working today. Wrangled by Marianne Kelley, this gun was engraved by Steven Fiddler, Michael Siderio, Christopher Rossiter, Jim Agner, and Otto Carter, with grip work by Barry Lee Hands, Master Plate by Michael Dubber, and final finishes by John Powers, with the case constructed by Basil Meadows. All of the engravers produce outstanding work and are amongst the best artisans working today. The gun is themed about the three five star American military officers in World War II: General Dwight Eisenhower, Admiral Chester Nimitz, and General Douglas MacArthur. Each commanding officer is represented in their own bulino vignette: the left side of the slide with MacArthur shown in portrait over a number of American soldiers unloading out of a Higgins boat, number PA2107; the top of the slide has Eisenhower's portrait surmounting an M26 Pershing tank boldly rolling forward, while the right side has Admiral Nimitz overlooking a submarine surging up out of the waves. The balance of the gun is engraved with American scrollwork on a finely stippled ground, with 24 karat gold borders framing the vignettes and borders of the gun. The small parts and pins are brilliantly nitre blued and the grips are mother of pearl with brilliant fire, inlaid with five 24 karat gold stars, representing the highest military rank in World War II. Each of the grip screws is also engraved with the backs of the different cartridges produced during World War II, including "R A 45" for Remington, and "WCC 45" for Western Cartridge Company. Blued magazine with gold legends on baseplate, including "COLT / 45 AUTO", a Rampant Colt, and gold wire borders, accented by acanthus scrollwork. The gun is richly blued, and each of the vignettes is left in their bright steel to allow for clear appreciation of the fine work. The gun is housed in a rosewood case with hickory accents and a five star array inlaid into the lid. The interior has a laser engraved lid depicting a mighty Rampant Colt and Colt logo, with the names of the five engravers across the bottom. Bottom lid with a blue cloth field relieved for the gun and a brass plaque that reads "Theater Commanders of WWII / COLT / 2026 / FEGA MASTERS SERIES / COLT'S MK IV/SERIES 70 / GOVERNMENT MODEL / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER / SERIAL NO. 70B53247". Adding to the desirability is the Colt letter that describes the gun as shipped to Michael Wayne, John Wayne's oldest son. The gun shipped to Pony Express Sport Shop in Encino "For Michael Wayne, Wayne Enterprises, c/o Bat Jac Productions" on July 15th, 1983, in a shipment of 1. Batjac Productions was founded by John Wayne and Robert Fellows as a way for Wayne to continue producing and starring in films. After John's death in 1979, Michael assumed control of the company, making this gun a shipment when Michael was in control of the company. There is also a Certificate of Authenticity from Little John's Auction Service, signed by John Gangel, stating that the gun came from the estate of Michael Wayne. Accompanied by loose Colt paperwork. CONDITION: Excellent, as finished and delivered to FEGA, retaining essentially all of the finishes throughout, with some extremely minor marks from handling and storage. Trigger with some scattered pockmarks that do not detract. Grips excellent with outstanding fire. Mechanically fine, bore excellent with strong rifling and some minor frosting in grooves. Case excellent with some scattered handling marks. This is an outstanding example of American engraving.
Model
Government Model MK IV
Paperwork
FEGA COA, Documents, Factory Letter