Spring 2025 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
May 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th, 2025
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ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL M15 GENERAL OFFICER’S SEMI AUTO PISTOL LINKED TO US ARMY BRIGADIER GENERAL CHARLES WEST, JR.
25-1584
Cal. 45 ACP
S# GO 223
On Page 114 of “U.S. GENERAL OFFICER PISTOLS: A COLLECTOR’S GUIDE” by Ken WIlliams & Dr. John W. Brunner, S# GO 223 is linked to Charles West, Jr. Charles West Jr., per information from the Citadel Alumni Association, entered The Citadel college in 1939 and won the star of West Medal. He served on active duty in the US army in the Pacific Theater from May 1943 to Sept. 1946. As a captain, he was an aide-de-cap to General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur. During the Korean War, he was recalled to active duty and again in 1957. During the Vietnam War, he served as a lieutenant colonel in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations in the Pentagon specializing in special operations, which required temporary tours of duty in South Vietnam. Colonel West was release from active duty in late 1970 and worked as a management consultant. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1973 and continued to serve on short tours of duty with the Army Staff until his retirement from the US Army Reserve in 1978. General West was awarded the Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service and Army Commendation Medals, The Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army General Staff Badge, the French Croix de Guerre, Philippine Legion of Honor and the Vietnam Cross of Honor. 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, National Match sights & checkered front strap. Two piece checkered walnut grips with blank plaque on left panel & Rock Island Arsenal emblem on right panel. MAGS: 1 – 7 rd.
STATUS: CURIO
