M-15 General Officer (GO) .45 ACP pistol manufactured by the Rock Island Arsenal c. 1974. The pistol was cased for presentation as a retirement gift for Major General Melvin J. Crain from the members of the 1st Brigade, 50th Armored Division, New Jersey Army National Guard. The Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) designed and manufactured a total of 1004 M-15 GO .45 caliber pistols between September 1973 and March 1974 for issue to Army General Officers. The M-15 GO pistols were issued to general officers from 1972-1981. The M-15 GO pistols were manufactured by RIA using a Government contract M1911A1 pistols. The M-15 GO pistols featured shortened slides and barrels, checkered grip straps, grooved mainspring housings, National match style fixed rear sights, quick draw style front sights, chrome plated National Match barrels and triggers and full checkered, oil-finished walnut grips. The sides of the slide and frame and small components had a polished blue finish. The top of the slide, sights and contact points of the frame had a matted blue finish. The left side of the slides were marked: "General Officer Model/RIA" in two lines. The right side of the frames were marked: "Serial No. GO XXX". A small Rock Island Arsenal Ordnance escutcheon was inlaid in the right grip and the left grip was inlaid with an oblong, nickel-plated, inscription plate. This pistol, serial number GO 866, conforms to the M-15 GO specifications and is listed by serial number on page 158 of "THE COLT U.S. GENERAL OFFICERS PISTOL" by Horace Greeley IV. Greeley's list shows that M-15 No. 866 was issued in 1979. The pistol is complete with a walnut presentation case lined with purple fabric, one magazine and five rounds of gold-plated ball ammunition. The case lid has a brass plate engraved: "Presented To/M.G. Melvin J. Cain/For Dedicated Leadership /From/OFFICERS AND ENLISTED PERSONNEL/1st BDE 50TH AR DIV./HHC 1 BDE". The M-15 GO pistols were not issued with presentation cases; this pistol was cased by 1st Brigade for presentation. Also included with the pistol is a copy of the presentation letter to MG Cain. The M-15 GO pistol was a limited production, high quality, pistol. Examples of M-15 GO pistols are scarce.

Mint. The pistol appears to be un-fired since presentation and retains nearly 100% of the polished and matted blue finish. The walnut grips have no handling wear and are in new condition. The case is in excellent plus condition with a few very minor storage marks on the exterior. The lining appears slightly faded and has one small hole from contact with the pistols sights. This is a mint example of a scarce, fully documented, presentation M-15 GO pistol that would be a superb addition to any advanced collection of M1911 pistols or U.S. martial arms.