Lot 218

Prototype U.S Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer Pistol

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Prototype U.S Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer Pistol

Estimate: $9,500 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $8,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare Unserialized Prototype U.S Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer Semi-Automatic Pistol Developed in the early 1970s, the Rock Island M15 was conceived in response to a shortage of Colt 1903/1908 pistols in Army inventory for issue to generals as a distinctive sidearm. Working from stocks of 1911/1911A1 components, Rock Island essentially produced an in-house custom variant of the Colt Combat Commander pistol. This particular example as an unserialized prototype that was produced during the development phase and appears to have never been issued. The overall markings are consistent with general production of the M15, though the serial number reads "GO Model No." with no following digit. The initial prototype used "GO Model 1" as the serial number marking, and after a discussion with higher brass, who were concerned that "Model X" would be read as a model designation instead of a serial number, the arrangement "Serial No. GO" was used as the prefix for production M15s, the first two issued being "Serial No. GO 1" and "Serial No. GO 2" respectively. This particular pistol appears to have been produced during the period after the initial prototype was made and prior to the final order for the serial number marking being settled upon. A very similar prototype pistol can be seen on page 121 of "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1945-2012" by Edward Scott Meadows, where it is called out as a "General Officer prototype with third type slide and serial number markings". That pistol and this one appear nearly identical apart from the front sight blade, which appears taller and is serrated on the example in the book. The left of the slide is marked with the standard "General Officers Model/RIA" marking, while the right of the frame has "GO Model No.", both filled with white. The chamber hood of the barrel has faint National Match type markings. It is fitted with a smooth ramped blade front sight and a notch rear sight, a National Match barrel bushing marked "7267718/NM", checkered slide stop, serrated thumb safety, checkered hammer, checkered front strap, serrated arched mainspring housing with a lanyard loop base, serrated adjustable trigger, and a pair of checkered walnut grips with blank name plate on the left and a Rock Island Arsenal medallion on the right. The full blue magazine is marked "C-S" on the baseplate.

Manufacturer: Rock Island Arsenal

Model: M15

BBL: 4 1/4 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial NumberGO Model No.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Excellent as a Rock Island Arsenal produced prototype, retaining 99% plus of the combination bright high polish and matte original blue finish with some very light handling evidence. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rare prototype of the desirable U.S. Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer pistol that would be a fantastic addition to your collection!

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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