SK Customs recently unveiled its most recent edition of its “Lost States of America” series of limited production 1911 pistols with the new “Lost State Of Montezuma” model. This full-size single stack 5-inch Government framed 1911 pistol in .45 ACP commemorates James Gadsden, who is best known for facilitating the Gadsden purchase in the American Southwest.
“We are commemorating James Gadsden in this context to highlight his influence on the territorial expansion of the United States,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “His efforts in securing the Gadsden Purchase not only reshaped the United States’ southern border, but also set the stage for future infrastructure development. While the State of Montezuma remains a historical thought, it emphasizes the dynamic and often complex process of nation-building during a transformative period in American history.”
The different artistic scenes that are depicted on this collectible .45 ACP 1911 pistol’s slide includes a subtle scroll of Palo Verde (the state tree of Arizona) and the American bald eagle, not only a symbol of the United States but also a prominent raptor with presence over the American west and southwest. This pistol also depicts Mexico’s gold eagle, accented by a banner encompassing the New Mexico state motto “Crescit Eundo” meaning “It Grows as it Goes” and the Arizona state seal “Ditat Deus” meaning “God Enriches.”
The right side of the slide portrays the Gadsden Purchase, otherwise known as “the Treaty,” where Gadsden, then the U.S Minister to Mexico, and a Mexican state official met to sign over the land.
Finally, the top of this special edition pistol’s slide is beset with a portrait of James Gadsden himself, just below the iconic American Progress symbol of Manifest Destiny. The handgun ships with a pair of Desert Ironwood stocks with material harvested from the Sonoran Desert itself, a big part of the state of Arizona. Customers can pre-order the “Lost State of Montezuma: series on SK Customs website directly. They have a retail price of $2,900 and only 200 models will be sold. SK Customs will begin delivering these pistols later in May of 2025. For more information, visit skguns.com.
