Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this incredible semi-auto pistol today for a penny-start auction, this is the Colt 1911 WWII Commemorative African-European-Middle Eastern Theater Of Operations!
Dont forget to bid on the consecutive serial numbered sister for this set to stay together for future generations of collectors!!! Simply type item number 1153925148 into the search bar OR you can click “Seller's other items”
This particular example is part of a two-piece consecutive serial set! This example sports the serial number (#6572ETO) and the matching pair bares the serial number (#6572PTO)!
YOU CAN FIND THE OTHER CONSECUTIVE SERIAL NUMBER EXAMPLE LIVE ON GUNBROKER NOW BY TYPING # 1153925148 IN THE SEARCH BAR!
This particular example is part of a two-piece consecutive serial set! This example sports the serial number (#6572ETO) and the matching pair bares the serial number (#6572PTO)!
YOU CAN FIND THE OTHER CONSECUTIVE SERIAL NUMBER EXAMPLE LIVE ON GUNBROKER NOW BY TYPING # 1153925148 IN THE SEARCH BAR!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1911 WWII Commemorative African-European-Middle Eastern Theater Of Operations
Serial: 6572ETO
Date of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: 45 Acp
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Blade with Fixed Rear Sights
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wood Grip with Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard/left side of slide engraved with leaf scroll work encompassing the phrase "WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATIVE / EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS." Right side of the slide is engraved with leaf scroll work encompassing the phrase "NORTH ATLANTIC * TUNISIA * SICILY * PLOESTI * SALERNO * ANZIO * NORMANDY * BASTOGNE * REMAGEN * BERLIN." The serial number, manufacturer, and address are stamped on the right side of the frame.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt 1911 “WWII Commemorative — African-European-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations” is a richly detailed and historically themed limited-edition variation of the iconic Colt M1911A1 .45 ACP pistol, created to honor American and Allied military service across the broad and critical theaters of World War II that spanned Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Introduced in the late 1960s to early 1970s as part of Colt’s series of World War II commemoratives, this model stands apart from standard military-issue 1911s primarily through its elaborate factory roll-engraved slide and frame, which typically feature inscriptions such as “WWII COMMEMORATIVE” and “AFRICAN-EUROPEAN-MIDDLE EASTERN THEATER OF OPERATIONS”, flanked by decorative motifs like laurel wreaths or oak leaves that evoke themes of valor and campaign service. One side of the slide often lists pivotal battles and campaigns — including North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Normandy, the Rhineland, and campaigns into Germany and the Middle East — effectively chronicling the Allied progression from desert warfare through the liberation of Europe. Built on the classic 5-inch barrel, single-action design with a 7-round single-stack magazine, the commemorative retains all the mechanical excellence of the Colt 1911A1 platform, with its forged steel frame, slide-mounted safety, grip safety, and comfortable, hand-filling grip angle that made it a trusted service pistol. Visually, the pistol is distinguished by its polished nickel or stainless-steel finish and premium wood grips, often accented with Colt medallions, which combine with the historical engravings to give it a striking presentation. Many examples were issued in an original presentation case, complete with a plaque and matching commemorative dummy .45 ACP cartridges, underscoring its role as military heritage and collectible memorabilia rather than a standard duty firearm. Because these commemoratives were produced in limited numbers compared with regular production 1911s — and because their historical theming resonates with both Colt enthusiasts and military history collectors — the African-European-Middle Eastern Theater edition is regarded today as a significant and evocative collector’s piece that bridges the technical legacy of the 1911 design with the broad sweep of World War II history.
Condition:
Model: 1911 WWII Commemorative African-European-Middle Eastern Theater Of Operations
Serial: 6572ETO
Date of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: 45 Acp
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Blade with Fixed Rear Sights
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wood Grip with Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard/left side of slide engraved with leaf scroll work encompassing the phrase "WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATIVE / EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS." Right side of the slide is engraved with leaf scroll work encompassing the phrase "NORTH ATLANTIC * TUNISIA * SICILY * PLOESTI * SALERNO * ANZIO * NORMANDY * BASTOGNE * REMAGEN * BERLIN." The serial number, manufacturer, and address are stamped on the right side of the frame.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt 1911 “WWII Commemorative — African-European-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations” is a richly detailed and historically themed limited-edition variation of the iconic Colt M1911A1 .45 ACP pistol, created to honor American and Allied military service across the broad and critical theaters of World War II that spanned Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Introduced in the late 1960s to early 1970s as part of Colt’s series of World War II commemoratives, this model stands apart from standard military-issue 1911s primarily through its elaborate factory roll-engraved slide and frame, which typically feature inscriptions such as “WWII COMMEMORATIVE” and “AFRICAN-EUROPEAN-MIDDLE EASTERN THEATER OF OPERATIONS”, flanked by decorative motifs like laurel wreaths or oak leaves that evoke themes of valor and campaign service. One side of the slide often lists pivotal battles and campaigns — including North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Normandy, the Rhineland, and campaigns into Germany and the Middle East — effectively chronicling the Allied progression from desert warfare through the liberation of Europe. Built on the classic 5-inch barrel, single-action design with a 7-round single-stack magazine, the commemorative retains all the mechanical excellence of the Colt 1911A1 platform, with its forged steel frame, slide-mounted safety, grip safety, and comfortable, hand-filling grip angle that made it a trusted service pistol. Visually, the pistol is distinguished by its polished nickel or stainless-steel finish and premium wood grips, often accented with Colt medallions, which combine with the historical engravings to give it a striking presentation. Many examples were issued in an original presentation case, complete with a plaque and matching commemorative dummy .45 ACP cartridges, underscoring its role as military heritage and collectible memorabilia rather than a standard duty firearm. Because these commemoratives were produced in limited numbers compared with regular production 1911s — and because their historical theming resonates with both Colt enthusiasts and military history collectors — the African-European-Middle Eastern Theater edition is regarded today as a significant and evocative collector’s piece that bridges the technical legacy of the 1911 design with the broad sweep of World War II history.
Condition:
This example is in Astonishing condition with no signs of regular consumer use or handling.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1153925889 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-02-15 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
0.01 |




