Vietnam War Commemorative .45

From the Delta to the DMZ, young Americans answered the call to duty and proudly served—many with “Old Slabsides,” better known as the “.45.” In military nomenclature, Uncle Sam called it the “M1911A1 Service Pistol.” It was the most powerful military sidearm ever issued in the world. And with it in Vietnam, we drove more nails in the coffin of Communism, which would lead to its eventual fall. But Vietnam would be the .45's last war. Soon afterwards, so we could comply with NATO ammo logistics, it was retired and replaced by the less-powerful 9mm. So now, the .45, the “.45 era” and our Veterans who fought with it are passing into military history. How much longer will the .45 be made? No one knows. But while it still is, The American Historical Foundation is proud to salute those who served in the Armed Forces between 1959 and 1975, and the patriotic Americans who supported them, by appropriately, issuing this firing museum-quality Limited Edition .45.

24-Karat Gold Plating

When you pick up this three-pound slab of steel and gold, you will know you are holding a special, firing Limited Edition, custom gunsmithed to museum quality. Like the polished black granite of the Vietnam Memorial, you can see your reflection in its mirror-polished steel, blued to gloss black and richly plated with genuine 24-Karat Gold. Deep bas relief etchings, selectively plated with 24-Karat Gold, form the central panoply, with borders of strapped bamboo and dragons, the Asian symbol of power and protection. Historical inscriptions include the dates of the war and General Westmoreland’s praise of all who served, with the Vietnam Service Medal surmounted on napalm flames.

In keeping with the high-quality custom workmanship, all the 24-Karat Gold plating—including across the trigger, hammer, slide stop, magazine catch, magazine catch lock, safety lock and grip screws—is to Jewelers Grade-Heavy thickness, for lasting beauty and value. The grips are specially hand-finished to look like bamboo, but are actually custom-crafted American Oak. Inset in each grip is a full-color, cloisonné medallion, incorporating the ribbon from the Vietnam War Service Medal.

Fires .45 ACP

Each is custom-designed to military specifications by Auto-Ordnance/Thompson, founded by General John T. Thompson, who helped develop the .45 ACP round and the Thompson Sub-Machine Gun. Made to uncompromising standards, the NRA test firing showed accuracy. . . “Significantly better than the average as-issued M1911.” All parts are interchangeable with military-issued pistols, and fires .45 ACP ammo readily available at your local gunshop. The Vietnam War Commemorative .45 is strictly limited to only 2,500 pistols, worldwide. Each pistol is engraved with its special registry number between 0001 and 2500, with the prefix VN for Vietnam. A Certificate of Authenticity attesting to the special registry number, edition limit and the purity of the 24-Karat Gold plating accompanies your M1911A1 .45. Your ownership and display of this handsomely decorated firearm today—and as a family heirloom tomorrow—says you’re proud of our Armed Forces and those who served.

Display Case

Also available is a custom made, luxuriously lined Display Case with locking glass lid and engraved identification plaque to display and protect your Tribute from dust and unauthorized handling.

Shipping Procedure

Since the Tribute is a working pistol, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice.

Reservation Form

I wish to reserve (Quantity) of the "Vietnam War Commemorative .45", a working pistol, at the price of $1,995*. Each pistol is numbered and registered within the limited edition of 2500, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Thirty-day return privilege.

Please charge my credit card a deposit of $195 per pistol. I will pay the balance prior to delivery at the rate of $100 per month, with no interest or carrying charge.

Optional Display Case:

I do not wish to order the optional luxuriously lined Display Case at this time.

I also wish to reserve the optional luxuriously lined Display Case. Please add $149 + shipping to the final payment.

* All orders are subject to acceptance and availability. If I cancel my reservation prior to delivery, I will receive a full refund, less a commissioning fee of $195. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add 5% sales tax.