Saluting the United States of America – Tough & Fearless as a Rattler
From America’s beginning, the rattlesnake has served a a symbol of strength and independence. The rattlesnake, native to North America, perfectly captured the spirit and momentum of the thirteen colonies as they rallied toward freedom. The British came to fear images of the coiled serpent as it flew proudly on flags carried into battle and hoisted high above our first warships. In a few years America will celebrate 250 years of freedom and independence. After all these years the rattlesnake is still remembered as a symbol of the fight for independence.
Today, the United States of America still stands ready to strike in defense of freedom. We remain ever vigilant and continue to command respect around the world. And Benjamin Franklin’s comparison of the young colonies with the snake’s rattles still teaches an important lesson about unity: “One of those rattles singly, is incapable of producing sound, but the ringing of thirteen together, is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living.
To honor America’s on-going commitment as a fearless defender of freedom, America Remembers proudly presents the Fearless Defenders of Freedom Pistol. For this historic issue, we wanted to present a firearm that would capture the spirit of America on a truly classic American firearm, and the legendary Colt .45 Pistol, which has served America’s Armed Forces for more than 100 years, was the perfect choice.
A Legendary American Firearm – The Classic Colt .45 Pistol
There is no better canvas for the Fearless Defenders of Freedom Tribute than the Colt® Government Model® .45 pistol. It is an American-made firearm legend that defended our liberty through major world wars and history-making conflicts. No firearm in history can boast a more impressive record of American military service than the Colt .45 pistol. The original .45 caliber masterpiece was designed by John Browning and this powerful Colt .45 was designated as America’s official sidearm for our country’s Armed Forces in 1911. More than a century later, it is still considered by generations of American Veterans to be the best and most powerful military sidearm ever issued, and it continues in use even today.
Each working Colt® Government Model® in caliber .45 ACP is handsomely decorated by expert craftsmen commissioned specifically for this project by America Remembers. In lustrous 24-karat gold and nickel on a hand-polished an elegant blued slide, the artwork celebrates the toughness and tenacity of the rattlesnake and transforms the classic firearm into a treasure of remarkable brilliance.
The custom grips for this exclusive Tribute are crafted of faux ivory and feature the fearless rattlesnake, locked in strike position, and wrapped in a banner that reads: “U.S.A Tough & Fearless,” a slogan representing American courage that dates to our founding fathers. You can almost feel the steely gaze of the snake’s unblinking stare and hear that chilling warning rattle. Such a powerful portrait demonstrates why the rattlesnake is equally feared and revered.
On both sides you’ll see that the rattlesnake in intertwined with flowing nickel-decorated banners describing both the USA and the rattlesnake. On the left they read: “United States of America – A Fearless Defender.” On the right: “United States of America – Always Ready to Defend Freedom.” These words serve as a reminder of all the men and women throughout our history who have stepped forward to protect our great country.
Each undulating twist of the snake is depicted in breathtaking detail, with careful attention paid to individual scales and the piercing stare of its glowing, nickel eyes. One look at its gleaming nickel fangs tells you that this snake is ready to strike – be aware.
On each side of the pistol, at the breech end, you’ll find a coiled rattlesnake decorated in 24-karat gold, emblazoned with the motto: “Ready to Strike for Freedom.” The motto epitomizes the character of both the USA and the rattlesnake.
A Rallying Symbol of Revolution
During the days before the Revolutionary War, patriots like Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Benjamin Franklin were rallying for liberty from the tyranny of England. Franklin created one of the first political cartoons published in the young country in order to inspire fellow Americans. His image depicted a serpent make of thirteen segments that were clearly labeled as the thirteen colonies. His point was that only by coming together could the divided colonies become stronger than their adversary. Franklin’s message was stated simply but boldly: “JOIN, or DIE.”
As tensions grew between the colonies and King George, the rattlesnake became symbolic of a growing rebellion. From Paul Revere’s illustration depicting the “colonial rattlesnake” attacking the “British Dragon,” to Christopher Gadsden’s bold yellow flag with a coiled rattlesnake in the center, just above the motto, “Don’t Tread on Me,” you could find the symbol throughout Colonial America. Soon the rattlesnake found its place among the men ready to fight for freedom as a rousing icon of revolution.
Optional Display Case
An optional, high-quality, Display Case is also available. The locking glass lid protects against dust and unauthorized handling. The glass lid locks with a brass key, and the case liner is custom-contoured to securely hold your pistol in place.
America’s Continued Legacy as the Leader of the Free World
From the courageous days of our founding fathers, Americans have always valued freedom and liberty. America is the greatest nation of earth because of the spirit and determination of our citizens. Americans are, and have always been, willing to fight for freedom and defend liberty at home and around the world. We continue to treasure the symbols of our nation because they represent our hard fought steps along the road to liberty and democracy. To us, these icons and landmarks are more that mere symbols, they are the embodiment of the American spirit and what makes this nation and its people truly great.
America’s legacy exists because of the commitment of all Americans to freedom, and because of the brave men and women in our military. During WWII, President Roosevelt referred to America as the “Arsenal of Democracy,” a description that continues to apply to the United States of America and to the American people who are the backbone of our country. The United States remains the “leader of the free world.” The icon itself continues to stir memories of our earliest days as a nation, but also proves that even after more than two centuries, the same ideals on which our country were founded still hold true. We will always be survivors. We will continue to stand as proud Fearless Defenders of Freedom around the world. We will always be strong, and when it comes to protecting our great nation and our allies, Americans will never hesitate to strike for freedom.
Shipping Procedures
Since the “Fearless Defenders of Freedom Tribute Pistol” is a working Colt® .45 pistol, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice. (Not available in California, Maryland or Massachusetts)
Order
I wish to reserve the “Fearless Defenders of Freedom Tribute Pistol”, a working Colt .45 pistol, at the current issue price of $2,195.* Each Tribute is numbered within the edition limit of 1,000, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Thirty-day return privilege.
Please charge my credit card a deposit of $195 per pistol. I will pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, with no interest or carrying charge.
* All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipment. Sales tax is required in certain states and will be added. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.
