The Colt 1911 .45ACP pistol was the standard sidearm of  the US military during World War II, and served with distinction through that conflict and many others. It was intended as a replacement for .38 Long Colt caliber revolvers which were found to be less effective than desired during the Moror Rebellion in the Philippines. The .45ACP round proved its worth in World War I and in the ensuing decades. 

Designed by John Moses Browning, arguably the most famous firearms designer of all time, it was patented in 1911 and continued serving with the US military for the rest of the century. During World War II, nearly two million 1911s were produced and issued, including to the Office of Strategic Services.

Now available is the illustration accompanying the original patent application for the Colt 1911 pistol, described here as a "FIrearm" by inventor John Moses Browning. The patent application was submitted in February 1910, and awarded in February 1911. 

These posters are 11" by 17" and printed on heavy 65-lb paper for a memorable texture and durability.  All printed posters are sourced from a small, local family-owned business. Each poster is shipped in a 12" x 2" cardboard shipping tube.