ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL GENERAL OFFICER’S PISTOL, FROM THE EDWARD SCOTT MEADOWS COLLECTION

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL M15 GENERAL OFFICER’S PISTOL BELONGING TO PAUL W. REED JR., BRIGADIER GENERAL & KOREAN WAR VETERAN

24-707
Cal. 45 ACP
S# GO514

Paul W Reed Jr. (1928-1996) was an Infantry platoon leader in the Korean War earning the Combat Infantry Badge, the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star medal. He was a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and retired from the Army of the United States with the rank of Brigadier General. A FOIA requested dated Sept. 27, 2013 indicates the pistol was inventoried with Rock Island Arsenal Sept. 21, 1976 & was reported on July 16, 1982 by a General Officer. A Bill of Sale dated July 21st, 1982 was for this pistol send to Paul W. Reed Jr. of Oklahoma City OK.

The M15 was developed by Rock Island Arsenal as the only pistol ever developed and manufactured solely for issue to US Army General Officers as replacement for Colt Model 1903 & 1908 pocket pistols. Total of 1,004 were produced beginning in 1972. This pistol is based on the Colt Commander with 4 1/2″ barrel. 1911A1 profile having chrome National match style trigger & checkered front strap. Two piece checkered walnut grips with plaque on left panel & Rock Island Arsenal emblem on right panel. MAGS: 3 – 7 rds; Matching with ejector-pencil “514”

UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: black leather General Officer’s rig including belt, Bucheimer holster, double magazine pocket & gold plated buckles. Also included is cleaning rod & box of buckles. Supporting documents include Bill of Sale, Obituary, & Department of Army FIOA request.

PROVENANCE: The Collection of Edward Scott Meadows.

STATUS: MODERN