Colt 1911 Pistols


Pair of 1931 Colt Model 1911A1 Pistols owned by Capt. M. T. Gonzaullas

Two highly decorated automatic pistols next to a single handcuff with the brim of a tan hat visible in the edge. Both firearms are a dark silver metal with gold decorations and ivory grips. One grip has the golden initials "MTG" and the other has an engraved long horn with golden horns. Everything is arranged on a multicolored saddle blanket.

Pair of Colt Standard 1911A1 Government Model, Commercial Conversion Pistols

Gift of Stan L. White and Sara White Morrison in Memory of Carroll A. Green and Harroll H. (Pet) Green/
Cat.# 2920.001-.002

Photo courtesy of Robert Langham III

Texas Ranger Captain Manuel T. Gonzaullas enjoyed a long and illustrious career in Texas law enforcement, working in the oilfields and along the Texas-Mexico border. He used this pair of Colt 1911A1 Government Model pistols during his Ranger service. The pistols are factory engraved with gold inlay, gold monogrammed initials on the right, and a longhorn on the left of the ivory grips. Both pistols feature cutaway trigger guards, which is said to have been a signature feature of Gonzaullas’ guns, as well as other unique custom details.

Each is inscribed near the trigger with the Spanish motto"No me saques sin razon; no me enbaines sin honor." This was a popular inscription on 17th Century Spanish armor. Translated it means "Do Not Draw Me Without Reason, Do Not Sheath Me Without Honor".

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Pair of Colt 1911A1 pistols owned by M.T. Gonzaullas