Posted on 10/18/2018 9:20:50 AM PDT by shove_it
Yesterday, Tomb Guards from the US Armys 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) were presented with 4 ceremonial M17 pistols at Arlington National Cemetery. These works of art were created by SIG SAUER specifically for use by the Guards.
This ceremony marks the first use of the M17, which will accompany the Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers as they stand guard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The unique distinguishing features for the M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols include:
Pistol Names: each of the four pistols bears the name of Silence, Respect, Dignity, or Perseverance and is featured on the dust cover. Dignity and Perseverance represent The Sentinels Creed, and Silence and Respect represent the request to the public by Arlington National Cemetery when visiting the Tomb of the Unknown, and during the Changing of the Guard;
Custom Wood Grips: in 1921 the chosen Unknown was transported to the United States of America aboard the USS Olympia. The custom wood grips are made with wood from the USS Olympia and include the crest of the 3rd Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier identification badge inset;
Cocking Serrations: XXI cocking serrations are engraved on the slide to signify the twenty-one steps it takes for the Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknowns and the military honor of a 21 Gun Salute;
Sight Plate: an engraved impression of the Greek Figures featured on the east panel of the Tomb Peace, Victory, and Valor are featured on the sight plate;
Sights: a glass insert made with marble dust from the Tomb of the Unknown fills the sights of the ceremonial pistols;
Engraved Magazines: the 21-round magazines feature an aluminum base plate engraved with the names of the Greek figures featured on the Tomb of the Unknown Peace, Victory, and Valor and include a name plate on the bottom of the magazine engraved with the Tomb Sentinel badge number.
Serial Numbers: the pistols are serialized with a unique set of serial numbers that incorporate items of significance to the Old Guard: LS represents line six of the Sentinels Creed, My standard will remain perfection; 02JUL37 to signify the first 24-hour guard posted at the Tomb of the Unknown on July 3, 1937; 21 to signify the 21 steps it takes the Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknown, and the military honor of a 21 Gun Salute. The full series of M17 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Pistols serial numbers are LS02JUL37A21 (Silence), LS02JUL37B21 (Respect), LS02JUL37C21 (Dignity), LS02JUL37D21 (Perseverance).
Very nice.
For later.
L
OK, now that's getting pretty fancy. If somebody had asked me, "Hey, can I get some marble dust from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier so I can make a pistol sight?" I'd have thought he was nuts.
....and the wood grips were taken off the deck of the CL-6 USS Olympia. Stunning attention to detail. These are million dollar guns if they ever get to market. Hopefully in 20 years are at the NRA museum or Smithsonian.
Kinda odd to see polished plastic.
Don’t you mean ghouls? ;-}
Thanks for the additional pics. Each Tomb Guard is issued a badge with a unique assigned number. Presumably, from now on, each Sentinel and NCOIC will also receive an engraved M17 Pistol mag engraved with his/her badge number. Pretty cool swag for an unbelievably intense “spit and polish” duty assignment.
Ugly crunchentickers
How I wish they would stream the Unknown Tomb...24/7. That is one I would keep on a lot.
Those are M-1 Garands I believe.
Did Grayguns trigger swap and its as crisp as my P220 SAO.
Development pics:
Pure beauty. They deserve the best.
Amazing. I hope Sig gifted those. Tax dollars shouldn’t go to show dogs. To me the height of respect is a brand new “as issued” weapons. The Brits do this with their honor guards in London. Historic uniform, state of the art weapon.
Beautiful and distinguished. Hopefully they’re actually loaded.
Which part are you assuming is plastic?
Beautiful.
Garands and 1911s’
.
Classic.
Nope, here's an M-1 on top and an M-14 below. We drilled with the M-1 55 years ago; they downsized to the disposable M-14 some years later.
Cheers, Otter
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