Developed in the 1970s, the Rock Island M15 was conceived in response to a shortage of Colt 1903/1908 pistols in Army inventory for issue to generals as a distinctive sidearm. Working from stocks of 1911/1911A1 components, Rock Island essentially produced an in-house custom variant of the Colt Combat Commander pistol. This particular feature shows markings and features from earlier in production and is noted on page 138 of the book "U.S. General Officer Pistols: A Collectors Guide" by Williams and Brunner as being among the early RIA-manufactured prototypes. Finished in a commercial-quality blue, polished on the flats and matte on the curves, the slide is fitted with a set of raised blade and square notch sights, with "General Officers Model" on the left side of the slide, and "RIA 1" on the right side of the frame; these markings deviate from the production standard. The barrel and bushing are National Match marked components, the former shortened and nickel plated, the latter chrome lined around the interior, the recoil spring is fitted with a full length guide rod, and the serrated long trigger has an adjustable stop. Fitted with a checkered frontstrap and mainspring housing, long grip safety, thin hammer, a pair of checkered grips with a Rock Island Arsenal badge inlaid into the right panel, and a magazine with "1" electro-penciled on the side.

Excellent, 99% plus original blue finish, showing some light handling marks overall. The grips are equally excellent. A thin, scratched ring is visible inside the bore immediately behind the crown, possibly an artifact from the shortening process. Mechanically excellent.