There is an article in the Spring, 2018 issue of the SWCA's
Journal about the general officers pistols. It's excerpted from
U. S. General Officer Pistols: A Collectors' Guide by Kevin Williams and John W. Brunner.
It talks about the pistols issued to officers by the Rock Island Arsenal. The article states that,
"As the inventory of Colt Pocket Hammerless pistols ran low, RIA tested several pistols as a replacement for the little Colts."
Quoting further from the excerpt:
"...in 1972, the arsenal decided to make its own replacement. They started with standard 1911A1 pistols and modified them extensively to make the Model 15. Only 1,004 of these pistols were made, numbered from G01 throujgh G01004. They were the only pistols ever specifically designed for U. S. military officers and were the last .45 ACP caliber pistols issued."
So...my questions. Granted my knowledge of military pistols is meager, I've never heard of a Colt Model 15 1911A1. Does anyone know anything more about these pistols? Does anyone
have one? The article states these pistols were extensively modified. Other than the special serial numbers, does anyone know what the modifications consisted of? Of course they were Series 70 pistols. I'm almost sure they'd have used match barrels and bushings, but what else? Special triggers? Custom grips? Other special markings?
With only 1,004 of these being made fifty-six years ago, this is a really rare pistol.
What would the value of one be in today's market?