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"Theater Commanders of WWII / COLT / 2026 /FEGA MASTERS SERIES /COLT'S MK IV/SERIES 70 / GOVERNMENT MODEL / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER / SERIAL NO. 70B53247"

Online Bidding Now Live Bidding: May 12 though May 14th 2026
Morphy May Auction Link:
"MORPHY May Auction".: Morphy May Auction

FEGA 2026 1911 Auction Link:
"MORPHY FEGA Auction Gun".: Morphy FEGA Auction Gun

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.

Adding to the gun's desirability is the Colt letter describing it as shipped to Michael Wayne, John Wayne's oldest son. The gun was 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. John Wayne and Robert Fellows founded Batjac Productions 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 he 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.

Wrangled by FEGA Master Marianne Kelley, this gun was engraved by FEGA Master Steven Fiddler, FEGA Master Michael Siderio, FEGA Master Christopher Rossiter, FEGA Master Otto Carter, and FEGA Engraver Jim Agner, with grip work by FEGA Master Barry Lee Hands, Master Plate by FEGA Master Michael Dubber, and final finishes by ACGG Professional Member John Powers, with the case constructed by Basil Meadows. All of the engravers produce outstanding work and are among the best artisans working today.

The gun is themed about the three American 5 Star Generals of 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 General MacArthur shown in portrait over several American soldiers unloading out of a Higgins boat, number PA2107.

-The top of the slide has General Eisenhower's portrait surmounting an M26 Pershing tank boldly rolling forward.

-The right side has Admiral Nimitz overlooking a submarine surging up out of the waves.

 
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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 charcoal blued, and each of the vignettes is left in their bright steel to allow for clear appreciation of the fine work.

 
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General Douglas MacArthur
Supreme Commander, Allied Forces
Shown in portrait over several American soldiers unloading out of a Higgins boat, number PA2107

 
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Admiral Chester Nimitz
Commander In Chief, US Pacific Fleet
Overlooking a submarine surging up out of the waves

 
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General Dwight Eisenhower
Supreme Commander of Expeditionary Forces In Europe
The General's portrait surmounting an M26 Pershing tank boldly rolling forward

 
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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. The case is excellent with some scattered handling marks.
This is an outstanding example of American engraving.

- Accessories: Case
- Barrel Length: 5"
- Caliber/Bore: .45 ACP
- FFL Status: Modern
- Manufacturer: Colt
- Model: Government Model MK IV
- Paperwork: FEGA COA, Documents, Factory Letter

 
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The gun is housed in a rosewood case inlayed with 5 Stars representing the fire stars worn by the officers.

 
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