Introduced in 1986, the Beretta M9 replaced the Colt 1911 after over 70 years of service and would be America's go-to standard sidearm through the Cold War and into the Global War on Terror. A set of M9s exclusively for issue to general-ranked officers was produced c.1986-1987, nearly identical to the broader issue save for the reserved "GO" serial number prefix. This particular M9 is attributed as the sidearm of General Crosbie Saint, and the period of issue shortly predates his appointment as Commander in Chief of U.S. Army Europe and may have been his sidearm during his tenure at Fort Hood. Features and markings are standard overall. Included with the pistol is a black leather Bianchi G100 general officer's holster, matching colored Bianchi G115 magazine pouch, and three extra magazines. Also included is a forest camo BDU set outfitted with Saint's period-appropriate rank and patches, as well as a metal and leather CENTAG badge on the right breast, five challenge coins, a 1st Armored Division medallion inscribed to General Saint, a dog-tag with Saint's info, plastic nametag, miniature Ranger tab, a pin for the 1st Cavalry Regiment, slip-on shoulder boards for Brigadier General, Major General and General ranks, and lapel tabs for Colonel (1), Major General (2), and General (2, one chrome, one black). Also present are an assortment of photocopied documents, including a personal letter from President George H.W. Bush on the occasion of Saint's retirement, a number of his Vietnam-era award citations, and pictures of the General wearing a BDU uniform that appears to be the same as the one in this lot.
Excellent, with 95% of the original black finish, showing some edge war and handling marks, as well as some screwdriver wear on the grip screws. The holster and pouch show wear and tear appropriate to active duty use, with the retention strap for the cleaning rod broken off and a number of scuffs and cracks. Mechanically excellent. The uniform shows some light fading and wear but is generally in good order.
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