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NRA Foundation Auctions 100th Anniversary Model 1911 from Colt Manufacturing

Colt Model 1911 - Master Engraved Anniversary Edition

NRAFoundation.org

FAIRFAX, VA --(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation proudly announces the donation of a unique Anniversary Model 1911 pistol from Colt’s Manufacturing Company. Celebrating 100 years of the 1911, the commemorative pistol is currently up for auction on GunBroker.com.

After being formally adopted by the Army in the year 1911, the pistol gained its designation as the Colt Model 1911 and was adopted by both the Navy and Marine Corps in 1913. During a century of service, the 1911 served as a staple of the United States military and as an iconic symbol for it. Among those who used it, the 1911 won a reputation for unmatched ruggedness, reliability and effectiveness.

The pistol, based on the model O1918, features over 300 hours of hand engraving by Colt master engravers in classic American style scroll. Authentic ivory grips display images of Sam Colt and a WWI Doughboy holding a Model 1911. High relief 24 karat gold inlays feature the text “100 years of Faithful Service” and the Colt Dome on the top of the slide and a profile of John Browning with the serial number “1911COLT001” on the right side. The left side includes the text “1911 2011” with the Rampant Colt inlaid in the center.

This one-of-a-kind firearm is being auctioned on GunBroker.com with a hand-made walnut museum-style display case donated by Brookfield Case of Coopersville, Michigan to support the unending battle for protection of Americans’ right to bear arms. The auction will end during The National NRA Foundation Banquet at the 2011 NRA Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

To commemorate this rare opportunity, the 100th Anniversary Colt Model 1911-Master Engraved Edition winning bidder will receive Colt’s hand-drawn sketches, signed by each of the engravers, in a custom frame with NRA coin and lapel pin. In addition to this unique firearm auction, the future 1911COLT001 owner will also have the opportunity to tour Colt’s Manufacturing Facility in Connecticut with a Colt Executive.

Lieutenant General William M. Keys, USMC (ret.), President and Chief Executive Officer of Colt’s Manufacturing Company, stated, “In 1911, we teamed up with John Browning and commissioned him to design a pistol chambered in .45 Automatic Colt Pistol to win the Army’s new pistol competition. Now, 100 years later, it’s our rare privilege, as the original maker of the Model 1911 pistol, to team up with The NRA Foundation to furnish this Anniversary Model for sale to the highest bidder.”

“Colt’s generous donation will assist The NRA Foundation in securing the future of NRA’s programs for the American public to experience,” said John DaSilva, National Manager, Events and Marketing of NRA Field Operations. “The support from our industry partners is vital in our successful mission and grassroots efforts to service the needs of NRA’s programs.”

To purchase tickets for the 2011 National NRA Foundation Banquet, visit www.nraam.org or call 703-267-1417. Live bidding is currently underway at www.gunbroker.com and concludes on the night of the event on 4/28 at 9:00 PM EST.

The NRA Foundation is the country’s leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports, awarding more than $140 million in grants since its inception in 1990. Through its efforts, the Foundation provides essential funding for programs such as youth education, law enforcement training, conservation, and marksmanship training.

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George Montgomery Foundation Creates Endowment for NRA Art Contest

NRAFoundation.org

Fairfax, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The George Montgomery Foundation of the Arts has recently made a generous donation to the NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest, now known as the George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest.

Through the endowment, the two organizations hope to further promote youth artwork and appreciation of nature’s beauty.

Now entering its 23rd year, the contest began in 1987 through the efforts of John Robbins, Managing Editor of Hunting Communications and former NRA InSights Editor Brenda Dalassandro. With the aid of the recent donation, marketing and outreach efforts can now be increased to foster relationships with art teachers across the country. The opportunity to engage aspiring young artists will introduce them to the NRA’s youth programs for the very first time.

The donation is also comprised of other assets which include an extensive bronze collection by George Montgomery himself. The George Montgomery bronze, a self portrait of the artist, will be named the George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest Best in Show Trophy. This representation trophy will be awarded to the top entry throughout all categories.

George Montgomery was an American actor and artist who emanated ruggedness in over 80 films and televisions series throughout the 20th century. Known best for his roles in westerns, Montgomery grew up the youngest of fifteen on a farm where he gained skills, such as handling horses, which contributed to his acting career. Montgomery drew from his childhood and acting roles in his art, creating many fine sculptures depicting fellow actors and scenes from the American Old West.

“The donation from the George Montgomery Foundation of the Arts will allow us to reach more young people than ever before,” said General Operations Executive Director Kayne Robinson.

“The foundation’s generosity will ensure the continued appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors.”

The contest is open to students in grades one through 12. Entries may portray any North American game bird or animal that may be legally hunted or trapped. Artwork will be judged on effort, creativity, anatomical accuracy and composition.

The deadline to enter the contest is November 1. For more information and to view winning artwork from last year, visit www.nrahq.org/youth/wildlife.asp.

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