A Tribute to Legends: from CZ, a very limited edition set including a 1911 and a CZ75

If you are a collector who likes high-end, limited edition pistols and you still can't decide between a classic .45 1911 and a 9mm “Wondernine”, why not take both? 

 the 9mm CZ75.
Both pistols are decorated with engravings inspired by the 19th century practice of ornamentation in North America, especially of Colt revolvers. Here, the 9mm CZ75.

To commemorate last year’s merger, CZ is offering a very limited edition set of two hand-engraved Colt 1911 and CZ 75 handguns called Tribute to Legends. Colt's timeless classic and a great modern “wondernine” pistol, all in the same package. 

“The idea to create this unique edition was born from close cooperation between the two 'sisters', Colt and CZ. An iconic model was chosen to represent each brand: the American Colt 1911 pistol and the Czech CZ 75. 

Both pistols are decorated with engravings inspired by the 19th century practice of ornamentation in North America, especially of Colt revolvers, which are famous in this respect and sought after by collectors,” they say at CZ.

The .45 ACP Colt 1911
The .45 ACP Colt 1911 from the set. Controls are gold plated, and the pistols in each individual set have matching serial numbers.

Decoration of the pistols was undertaken by the internationally respected artistic gun engraver René Ondra. (A special custom engraving tool was especially made for this purpose.) The placement of engravings respects the contours of the model. The steel magazine base plate on the CZ 75 also comes with decorative engravings. Controls are gold plated. The serial numbers range from COLT2021001 to COLT2021050 for the Colt 1911 model, and CZ2021001 to CZ2021050 for the CZ 75 model. The pistols in each individual set have matching serial numbers.

But beware: only 50 sets will be produced as part of this edition. The first sets will be auctioned off on November 27, 2022, in Prague’s Kodl Gallery and the proceedings will be donated to the Army Solidarity Fund, the Police and Firefighter Foundation, and the fundraising bank account of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic to support the Ukrainian army.

Colt and CZ, a rich history

the case
When open, the case serves as a display of the limited edition set. 

The Colt 1911 has a ribbon with the year 1836 and a bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States of America. The CZ 75 has a ribbon with the year 1936 and a double-tailed lion from the Lesser Coat of Arms of the Czech Republic. Colt in fact celebrated its 185th anniversary last year, while CZ is exactly one hundred years its junior. “We decided to name this edition 'Tribute to Legends' because both handguns and their manufacturers are among the best in their field, with a rich history and generations of satisfied users. 

We want to continue this set course and to establish Colt CZ Group as the recognized undisputed leader of small arms industry. I am glad that the auction of one of these sets will support our soldiers, policemen, firefighters, and their families, as well as the Ukrainian Army,” said Jan Drahota, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Colt CZ Group.

The pistols come in a deluxe wood case. Two stylish commemorative certificates are attached to the underside of the lid that’s supported by two blue ribbons, which are reminiscent of the long tradition of both brands. When open, the case serves as a magnificent display of the limited edition set that will become a valued centerpiece of your collection. The exterior of the lid features the CZ and Colt registered trademarks. The double pistol case comes in a black laminated cardboard box adorned with golden CZ and Colt logos. Each pistol in the set is delivered in a separate leather briefcase that includes a warranty card, user manual, cleaning kit, gloves and certificate of originality.

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