For Veteran's Day....

...two non-auto pics that I enjoyed making. 

Besides model cars, I am a collector of Colt firearms; mostly vintage, but some new and not quite so new. I have had a Federal Firearms License for over 48 years and have bought and sold some nice pieces.

I was long a member of various firearms clubs and forums and these photos have been seen in many of them.

That's my Army uniform with a Series ’80 MK IV Officer’s ACP "Commencement Issue" Ltd Ed .45 ACP. 3.5” barrel, Satin Blue Serial #FA00001.

It is Model 09080EOC – From Colt’s Custom Gun Shop. Imbedded Sterling Silver Military Insignias. It is the very first “Commencement Issue” gun produced. Initially available only to those who completed one of the U.S. military academies - West Point or the US Naval Academy. Comes with Presentation Wood Case. Colt's Archive letter states, in part: “This Pistol was a sample and display pistol retained by the Colt factory”. The gun is featured on the inside front & back cover & frontispiece of the highly popular firearm reference book, “Colt an American Legend”. Only 1,000 made.

This pic features two revolvers. The first, on the left is an "Officer’s Model Target" .22 LR. 6” barrel, blue #508. (Made 1930) Colt's Archive letter attests to the gun's original ownership by Major General Julian Hatcher. A writer of gun books and US Army firearms and ballistics expert. He liked this gun so much that he wrote Colt's Mfg. Co. about it and they made ads over his letter that were featured in all the current literature at the time. He is prominently on the cover of American Rifleman for December 1954. The letter and Colt's comments are still available today on tin nostalgic signs. I researched the man, his writings and the history of the gun itself. I wrote an article about it that appears, with my photos, in the Spring 2018 book, "The Rampant Colt" a publication exclusive to members of the Colt Collectors Association.

The other revolver is a "Official Police" .38 Special. 4” barrel, blue #909580. (Made 1966) Colt's Archive Letter authenticates the original owner of this gun to be the late Country Music star, George Jones. 

Hope everyone has a nice Veteran's Day - thanks for letting me share!