Manufactured in 1964, this interesting Colt National Match pistol is factory inscribed for presentation to U.S. general, and at the time Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Curtis E. LeMay. LeMay is well known for having developed the strategic bombing campaign in the Pacific Theater during World War II as well as his work on strategic bombing initiatives during the Cold War. The 1960s are marked as a period of drastic change in the U.S. Air Force, as well as the military as a whole, with many companies vying for contracts to provide the weapons needed for the changing landscape of war. The decade was also marked by an increased interest and emphasis on marksmanship, with the popularity of marksmanship teams and competitions increasing dramatically. This specific pistol appears to be a prime example of both of those influences, being an excellent presentation piece to show the head of the U.S. Air Force what Colt was capable of, both with regards to military weapons as well as competition shooting. The front left of the slide is factory inscribed with "GENERAL/CURTIS E. LEMAY" with four stars below it. The left of the slide also has the standard model, Colt, and caliber marking, followed by the Rampant Colt. The right of the slide has the standard one line address. "P/VP" are marked on the left of the trigger guard and the right of the frame has the serial number with "NM" suffix. It is fitted with an extended Patridge blade front sight and adjustable BO-MAR rear sight, serrated adjustable trigger, serrated slide stop and thumb safety, serrated narrow hammer, serrated and stippled front strap, a straight stippled mainspring housing, and a pair of diamond pattern, checkered rosewood grips. Provenance: The Jon M. Maxwell Collection

Extremely fine, retains 98% plus of the original blue finish, a few scattered light handling marks, and crisp factory inscription. The replacement grips are very fine with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A fantastic opportunity to add a Colt National Match pistol presented to one of the Air Force's most well-known generals to your collection!