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America Remembers and the Naval Aviation Museum
Foundation present the Centennial of Naval Aviation Tribute Pistol
commemorating 100 years of distinguished service that Navy Aviators have
given to America.
The legend of U.S. Naval
Aviation began 100 years ago. In the decades that followed, Navy
aviators have distinguished themselves in every major conflict. They
flew biplanes and dirigibles during the 1920s and staged fierce
dogfights over the Pacific in World War II. They broke flight records
and ruled the sky in jets over Korea and Vietnam. In the Persian Gulf,
they proved there was no force more impressive than an American carrier
group. Today they remain ready to defend our nation whenever and
wherever duty calls.
There is a popular saying in
Pensacola, where the Navy trains the best of the best to become even
better, "Fight to fly, fly to fight and fight to win." It is much more
than a motto. It is about honor. The roar of a jet engine is called,
"the sound of freedom" for good reason. The men and women who serve
in Naval Aviation are at the front lines of combat. They are the
defenders of freedom who proudly serve America every day.
 America
Remembers is proud to mark this historic milestone with the Centennial
of Naval Aviation Tribute Pistol. Craftsmen commissioned specifically
for this Tribute by America Remembers decorate each working Colt®
Government Model Pistol in 24-karat gold with the symbols and insignia
of Naval Aviation history. We are honored that the Tribute Pistol is
proudly presented in cooperation with the Naval Aviation Museum
Foundation. Formed in 1966, the Foundation was created to support the
development of the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
When it came time to choose the best firearm to
commemorate 100 years of Naval Aviation, the choice was simple. Not only
is the legendary firearm celebrating a centennial of its own, but the
Colt Model of 1911 pistol was the preferred sidearm for generations of
U.S. Navy pilots. Countless Navy aviators wore it on their hip, and we
are honored to present the
Colt .45 Pistol as a handsome canvas for this historic and important
military Tribute.
No firearm in military history
can boast a more impressive record of American military service than the
Colt Model 1911. This .45 caliber pistol served as the official sidearm
for our country's Armed Forces for almost 75 years. The pistol was a
workhorse that survived nearly a century of military service spanning
from the era of bi-planes to the supersonic jet age, through the
greatest campaigns of the 20th Century. That same sidearm adopted a
century ago is still considered by generations of American veterans to
be the finest and most dependable pistol ever issued. Countless Navy
aviators wore it on their hip, and we are proud to present the Colt .45
as a handsome canvas for this historic military Tribute.
 On the left side of the Tribute, an unfurling banner reads,
"Centennial
of Naval Aviation 1911-2011." Above it, you will find a trio of familiar
insignia, recreated in exacting detail with golden eagle's wings spread
wide. Featured from left to right are the Naval Aviator wings, the
Aircrew wings and the Naval Flight Officer wings. Each service award is
identified with a decorative banner.
The right side features a
dramatic illustration of the Curtiss A-1 Triad in flight. The A-1 holds
the distinction of being the first aircraft employed by the U.S. Navy.
Flying proudly beside the aircraft are three banners representing the
military branches -- US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Coast Guard -- served by
naval aviators during their hundred year history. On the rear of the
slide you will also find a logo representing 100 years of Naval Aviation
featuring the F/A - 18 Hornet, a F4U Corsair, a Curtiss Pusher and the
USS Yorktown.
In addition to the stunning 24-karat gold artwork on the blued steel slide,
the grips for this exclusive Tribute are crafted of rich, hand-polished
rosewood. Laser-etched on the left grip is the anchor that served as the
U.S. Naval aircraft insignia from 1915 to 1917. The right grip displays
the iconic tailhook, an ingenious device invented to slow naval
aircraft. Designed by circus performer and aviator Hugh Robinson, some
version of the tailhook has been in use since Ely's first successful
ship landing on the USS Philadelphia in 1911.
Display Case
Available
An optional luxuriously lined, custom built wooden display case is
available for purchase.
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