Auto-Ordnance Vietnam War Commemorative M1911A1 .45 ACP – Limited Edition 1 of 2,500
This factory-engraved Vietnam War Commemorative M1911A1 is one of only 2,500 pistols produced by Auto-Ordnance in Worcester, Massachusetts. Built on the full-size Government platform and chambered in .45 ACP, it combines presentation-grade finish work, 24-karat gold-plated controls, and gold-filled slide inscriptions honoring U.S. service personnel who carried the 1911 in Vietnam.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent – Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Rifling Condition: Excellent – Sharp lands and grooves.
This pistol shows minimal handling marks primarily on the high-polish flats; edges remain crisp and all lettering is fully legible.
What’s Included
- Auto-Ordnance Vietnam War Commemorative M1911A1 pistol
- 1× 8-round stainless steel single-stack magazine
- Colt blue plastic hard case
- Colt Safety & Instruction Manual
- Colt-branded cable lock (sealed bag)
Produced as a tribute to the 1959–1975 conflict, this commemorative features factory-engraved Asian dragons and bamboo scrollwork on the slide, highlighted by gold filling. The inscription reads “1959 ★ VIETNAM WAR ★ 1975 – COMMEMORATIVE M1911A1 45 – NO ONE COULD HAVE DONE IT BETTER,” making the theme immediately clear.
The slide wears a high-polish blue on the flats with a matte top radius to cut glare. Small parts—including the hammer, trigger, slide stop, thumb safety, magazine catch, grip-screw heads, and grip safety tang—are 24-karat gold plated, adding striking contrast against the blued steel.
Smooth light-blonde hardwood grip panels are inlaid with Republic of Vietnam Service Medal medallions, reinforcing the historical focus. Fixed GI-pattern sights, a spur hammer, and traditional grip and thumb safeties preserve the classic M1911A1 handling profile.
Serial prefix “VN” confirms its place in the limited commemorative sequence; this example is numbered VN0121. With its presentation-grade finishes and low production total, it stands out as a collectible 1911 that still retains full shooting capability.