Description
This Rock Island Arsenal M15, a significant piece of history, Belonged to Paul W. Reed Jr., a Brigadier General and Korean War Veteran. Paul W. Reed Jr. (1928-1996) was an Infantry platoon leader in the Korean War, earning the Combat Infantry Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Bronze Star medal. He graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College.
He retired from the Army of the United States with the rank of Brigadier General. A FOIA request, a tool used to obtain information from the government, dated Sept. 27, 2013, indicates the pistol was inventoried with Rock Island Arsenal on Sept. 21, 1976, and was reported by a General Officer on July 16, 1982. A Bill of Sale dated July 21, 1982, was for this pistol sent to Paul W. Reed Jr. of Oklahoma City, OK.
The M15, a rare and unique pistol, was developed by Rock Island Arsenal as the only pistol ever designed and manufactured solely for issue to US Army General Officers. It was created as a replacement for the Colt Model 1903 & 1908 pocket pistols, and a total of 1,004 were produced beginning in 1972. This pistol, based on the Colt Commander with a 4 1/2” barrel, features a 1911A1 profile, a chrome National match-style trigger, and a checkered front strap.
The two-piece checkered walnut grips have a plaque on the left panel and the Rock Island Arsenal emblem on the right. MAGS: 3 – 7 rds; Matching with ejector-pencil “514.”
Unattached accessories are a black leather General Officer’s rig, including a belt, Bucheimer holster, double magazine pocket, and gold-plated buckles. A cleaning rod and a box of buckles are also included. Supporting documents include a Bill of Sale, Obituary, and Department of Army FOIA request.
CONDITION: The pistol, a testament to the meticulous care taken in its maintenance, has a near-excellent metal finish, showing only a couple of marks in the slide serrations. It has an excellent wood finish with spots of verdigris on the left panel and staining from rubbing against the holster. The bore is very good to near excellent, showing only light pitting near the muzzle.
