Lot 1284

Documented U.S. Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer Pistol

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Documented U.S. Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer Pistol

Estimate: $5,500 - $8,000

Starting Bid: $4,750

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Desirable Documented U.S. Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer Semi-Automatic Pistol, Serial Number "GO187", Inscribed for General W.P. Hurley Originally manufactured as a U.S. Model 1911A1 by Colt c. 1940s and subsequently refurbished into a M15 General Officer pistol by the U.S. Rock Island Arsenal c. 1972-1973. Developed by U.S. Rock Island Arsenal Superintendent of Small Arms, Machinery, and Plating Dale W. Hoffman c. 1970, the M15 General Officer's .45 caliber pistols were built up solely by the U.S. Rock Island Arsenal from 1972 to 1981 utilizing existing U.S. Model 1911A1 pistol frames that were re-machined and re-marked, paired with shortened slides with raised iron sights and shortened 4 1/4 inch barrels. This specific pistol, serial number "GO187", is listed on p. 148 of "The Colt U.S. General Officer's Pistol" by Horace Greeley IV as issued in 1973. Features raised fixed ramped blade front and notch rear sights, "General Officer Model/RIA" marked in gold filled lettering on the left of the slide and small "P" stamp on top, the serial number marked in gold filled lettering on the right of the frame, "E" on the left side of the trigger guard with "L" on the right side, and a checkered front strap. Fitted with a blued magazine with the matching serial number correctly electro-penciled on the side and a pair of checkered walnut grips with a U.S. Rock Island Arsenal "ordnance wheel" insert on the right panel and a name plate on the left panel inscribed with "General/W.P. Hurley", which is believed to be for Brigadier General William P. Hurley of the Massachusetts National Guard. Hurley appears to have been a veteran of World War II and finished his long career as assistant commander of the 26th "Yankee" Infantry Division.

Manufacturer: Rock Island Arsenal

Model: M15

BBL: 4 1/4 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial NumberGO187

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Very fine, retains 90% plus of the original blue finish with some light handling/holster type wear, some light pitting on top of the slide, and some scattered light handling marks. The grips are also very fine with light handling evidence and a few light blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000