Alchemy Custom Elmer Keith 1911 .45 ACP 5 Vintage Classic Finish Gold Bead Sight Limited Edition Pistol

A Tribute to the Legend: Only 50 ProducedThe Alchemy Custom Elmer Keith 1911 honors one of American firearms history's most influential figures through a faithful tribute to the Springfield Armory M1911 that became his cherished keepsake. This limited-edition RestoMod tells the remarkable story of Captain W.R. "Bill" Strong's wartime service pistol-which saw action at Chateau Thierry in 1918-and its journey into the hands of legendary gunwriter and outdoorsman Elmer Keith.Limited to just 50 serialized examples (NO-0001 through NO-0050), each pistol recreates the character and customizations of Keith's personal Springfield while incorporating modern precision and reliability. Rather than overtly marking the tribute, this pistol whispers its homage through carefully chosen details: the Ogden Arsenal cartouche honoring Keith's WWII inspector service, aged American Holly grips featuring faithful recreations of his scrimshaw engravings, and the Vintage Classic finish that matches the patina of his well-worn custom pistol.The Story Behind the GunCaptain Bill Strong carried this Springfield Armory M1911 through ferocious fighting at Chateau Thierry, reportedly expending seven magazines without missing-approximately 49 hits at point-blank range against German forces. Following the Great War, Strong returned to Montana where he befriended young Elmer Keith. The two became lifelong shooting companions until Strong's tragic death during a hunting expedition. Keith inherited the pistol and transformed it into one of his favorite automatics, adding custom sights and personal touches that appeared in his writings, most famously in the July 1969 Guns and Ammo article "Keith On Auto Pistols."1914 Springfield Armory Inspired DesignFollowing Alchemy's Classic Government RestoMod, the Elmer Keith harkens back to the earliest era of M1911 production. The rollmarks are painstakingly reimagined with "ALCHEMY ARMORY U.S.A." while the opposite side features the matching United States seal. Ball cuts replicate Keith's original Springfield configuration, and vertical cocking serrations provide period-correct aesthetics with enhanced functionality.Vintage Classic Proprietary FinishAlchemy's Vintage Classic finish remarkably matches the patina of Keith's former warhorse turned custom pistol. This proprietary coating captures the character of a well-used service pistol while providing modern corrosion resistance and durability.Gold Bead Front Sight and Harrison Retro ComponentsWhile Keith's original featured the famous King's "Mirror" front sight, Alchemy selected the gold bead-another classic design known for utilizing light to create a brilliant sight picture. Paired with a Harrison Retro rear sight and Harrison Retro spur hammer, these components blend authentic appearance with contemporary reliability.Aged American Holly Grips with Custom ScrimshawCrafted in-house from aged American Holly, the grips feature flawless recreations of the scrimshaw engravings found on Keith's original stocks. These custom grips add distinctive character while honoring the personalization Keith brought to his own pistol.Ogden Arsenal Tribute CartoucheRather than overtly marking "ELMER KEITH," Alchemy incorporated Keith's own Ogden Arsenal cartouche-O.G.E.K. (Ogden Utah Elmer Keith). During WWII, Keith served as the Ogden Arsenal's Inspector, primarily examining rifles. While this cartouche typically appears on M1 Garands rather than 1911s, its presence on the frame provides the perfect subtle tribute.Hand-Fit Precision ConstructionThe frame and slide receive individual hand fitting for exceptional tolerances. Hand beveling eliminates sharp edges while polished ignition components ensure crisp trigger pull. The arched checkered mainspring housing with lanyard loop recreates the A1-style configuration Keith preferred, while 25 lines-per-inch frontstrap checkering improves grip traction.Accuracy Guarantee and DocumentationEach Elmer Keith 1911 ships with an accuracy guarantee of 1.5 inches at 25 yards, dog tag certificate of authenticity, and two flat-bottom Chip McCormick magazines. Custom serial numbers (NO-0001 through NO-0050) document each pistol's place in this exclusive production run.The Alchemy Custom Elmer Keith 1911 honors the rise of the classic "custom .45 Automatic" from wartime service pistol to refined shooting iron-a celebration of two great men in American firearms culture.SPECIFICATIONSManufacturer: Alchemy Custom WeaponryModel: Elmer Keith Limited EditionProduction: Limited to 50 unitsSerial Numbers: NO-0001 through NO-0050Inspiration: 1914 Springfield Armory M1911 (Captain W.R. Strong / Elmer Keith)Caliber: .45 ACPBarrel Length: 5 inchesConfiguration: Government ModelFinish: Vintage Classic (Proprietary)Rollmarks: "ALCHEMY ARMORY U.S.A." with United States sealSlide Features: Vertical serrations, ball cuts, hand beveledFront Sight: Gold beadRear Sight: Harrison RetroHammer: Harrison Retro spurTrigger: Mid-lengthMainspring Housing: Arched, checkered, with lanyard loopGrips: Aged American Holly (in-house made) with Elmer Keith inspired scrimshawFrontstrap: 25 LPI checkeringFrame Marking: Ogden Arsenal cartouche (O.G.E.K.)Construction: Hand-fit frame and slideIgnition: Polished componentsSafety: USGI thumb safetyAccuracy Guarantee: 1.5 inches at 25 yardsMagazines Included: 2 flat-bottom Chip McCormick magazinesCertificate: Dog tag certificate of authenticity