Originally manufactured in 1943 by Remington-Rand, this frame was at some point overhauled at Springfield Arsenal before being delivered to the Director of Civilian Marksmanship for disposal as surplus, where blind fate would bring it into the program that would create the M15 General Officers Pistol. Initiated in 1969, the project was the brainchild of Dale W. Hoffman, Superintendent of Small Arms, Machinery, and Plating at the Rock Island Arsenal. A veteran of both military and law enforcement service and avid pistol shooter, Hoffman noted that the Army's stock of "Model M" Colt hammerless pistols used for general officer sidearms was growing dangerously thin, and, since Colt stopped making the pistol in the 1940s, they'd need to pursue another option. Hoffman's concept was a shortened 1911A1 pistol that could made using the Army's existing stock of parts and frames, for a pistol that would give a general a distinct and compact personal defense weapon while sharing ammo, magazines, some parts, and manual of arms with the main service pistol. Initially building out one pistol on his own initiative for an unsolicited proposal, Hoffman would build four total sourcing more pistols from the DCM; on page 130 of 'The Colt U.S. General Officers Pistol" by Greeley, this pistol is identified by serial number and features as one of the three procured by Hoffman to become the prototypes for the "Model 1970 General Officers Pistol", and page 169 shows Hoffman with three of the prototypes and a case, one of which may be the pistol in this lot. Further, a signed and notarized letter from noted author and military pistol expert Edward Meadows describes meeting Hoffman c.1974, seeing this pistol (and the other 1970 prototypes) in his custody, and eventually purchasing this one with the included case, rod, and extra magazines (no mention of the belt rig) when Hoffman's estate went up for sale. With some adjustments, these prototypes would pave the way for the M15, which would be the issue sidearm for Army generals through the 1970s and up to 1982. This example has the early "General Officers Pistol/Model 1970" on the left side of the slide and a set of raised fixed combat sights, with "45 AUTO/7791193" on the chamber hood and the original serial number and "SA" overhaul mark on the right side of the frame. A flat mainspring housing, short serrated trigger with adjustable stop, and long grip safety are installed, along with a pair of smooth grips with a blank inscription panel on the left and a Rock Island Arsenal badge on the right. Three chrome plated magazines are included, one numbered to match with electric pencil and the other two blank, along with a chromed cleaning rod, all of which fit in the included hardwood case. Also included is a black leather Bianchi belt rig fitted with a gold plated buckle, holster and magazine pouch. The accessories are traditional for the M15, though the case would traditionally be reserved for special presentations. Also included is a signed copy of the book "U.S. General Officer Pistols: A Collectors Guide" by Williams and Brunner, which notes the pistol by serial number as a prototype on page 138. Provenance: The Dale Hoffman Colelction; The Edward S. Meadows Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Very fine as arsenal developed/modified to Model 1970 pattern, with 98% plus bright nickel finish with light handling marks. The original markings are a bit faded, though the serial number remains legible. The grips are very good, with minor age cracks and attractive color, though the lower left screw is a bit long and interferes with the magazines. The accessories are all in excellent condition, with some flaking on the buckle and light wear on the leather. Mechanically excellent. A rare opportunity to own one of four Model 1970 General Officer prototype pistols, and a chance for a unique addition to a U.S. service pistol collection that would be nearly impossible to duplicate and extremely hard to top.