Description
This isn’t just a Colt 1911—it’s a window into the legend of one of the most iconic Texas Rangers to ever wear the badge. Originally built in 1917 under U.S. military contract, this Government Model has been thoughtfully customized, with striking floral motif engravings covering roughly 80% of its surface. Unlike typical Colt scrollwork, this piece leans into a more vivid, punch–dot–backed design that gives it a bold presence. The original barrel address, model markings, and serial number remain intact, offering a direct link to its martial origins.
Modifications include a professionally cut-away trigger guard, leaving just a hint of the original lower shoulder, as well as a few filled holes under the frame and trigger area, likely from prior display or fitting work. The barrel, marked “HS” for High Standard, retains its original blue, while other key parts—the bushing, plug, and magazine—are polished nickel, providing a sharp contrast.
But the real standout here? The grips. Crafted by Lopez Engraving in sterling silver, they feature darkened, engraved fields, gold inlaid initials “M/T/G” on the left panel, and a Texas Ranger Captain’s badge proudly set into the right.
Now, the backstory: Born in Spain in 1891, Manuel T. Gonzaullas—nicknamed “El Solo Lobo,” or “The Lone Wolf”—earned his stripes patrolling the volatile Texas/Mexico border after joining the Rangers in 1920. He had a reputation for taking care of business, whether it involved bootleggers, killers, or corrupt officials. During a turbulent time in the 1930s, when the Rangers were defunded and nearly disbanded under Governor “Ma” Ferguson, Gonzaullas worked in private security for the oil industry. But in 1935, when the Texas Department of Public Safety was founded, he was back, eventually leading Company B and helping restore the Rangers’ battered reputation.
By the time he retired in 1951, Gonzaullas had cemented his place in Ranger history and moved into a consulting role in Hollywood, even advising on the classic Tales of the Texas Rangers series.
While this particular 1911 isn’t definitively documented as his sidearm, it has been attributed to his personal inventory by a prior owner, and photos from the period show him carrying similarly styled and customized Government Models. The silver grips are modern additions, but the pistol and High Standard barrel date squarely to his era of service.
Included with this historic piece:
- A padded hardwood case
- A custom hardwood and glass display stand with Texas Ranger carvings
- A large hardwood plaque detailing Gonzaullas’ life and career
- And a copy of Captain M.T. Gonzaullas: Lone Wolf by Brownson Malsch
A collector’s gem? Absolutely. But more than that, it’s a tribute to a man who defined what it meant to stand alone, do the job, and walk tall through Texas history.
