Pair of Meteorite 1911’s Expected to Fetch $1.5 Million at Auction

These might be the most expensive 1911’s ever sold.

These beautiful 1911’s were crafted by Lou Biondo of Business End Customs out of a meteorite that was found in Sweden in 1906. Scientists believe that the Muonionalusta Meteorite is the oldest one ever discovered on earth and it could date back to 4.6 billion years ago.

Regardless of how wealthy you are you probably don’t want to shoot these guns every day. While the seller claims they have each been fired 35 times the metallurgy of the meteorite is not ideal of a firearm. The high nickle content, up to 8%, means the guns will have excellent corrosion resistance, but the lack of carbon means the metal will also be very brittle. You really would not want to crack one of the insanely expensive guns at the range. These will likely be display pieces for a very wealthy individual.

Here’s the description from the Auction site

This offering is literally a true ‘one-of-a-kind’ and represents an incredible combination of meteorite and firearms. Presented here is a set of two Model 1911 type pistols made from the Muonionalusta Meteorite which fell in Sweden. Both right-handed guns, one is a GI Model, and the other is a Custom Model. Both pistols were made by noted gunsmith Lou Biondo of Business End Customs, and each gun has test fired 35 rounds. It is not recommended that these incomparable pistols be an everyday sidearm or be used regularly as the metallic content was not designed for such a use, but these are working guns that fire .45 caliber bullets. The Muonionalusta Meteorite was first discovered in Sweden in 1906 but likely fell about 1 million years ago and is thought to be one of the oldest meteorites dating to some 4.5 billion years. The world famous Iron features an amazing Widmanstätten pattern when etched that makes the pistols so visually striking. Obviously, a significant amount of meteorite was required as the “raw material” for this cool enterprise. Modeled after the famous Colt 1911 Pistol, originally designed by the legend John Browning, the M1911 became the standard issue sidearm of the United States Military from 1911 until 1968. The world’s most respected handgun is considered by many to be the finest service pistol of all time. The history of its role as a combat pistol in conflicts throughout the decades is unparalleled. This is a gun for the ages, and this set made of meteorite is ageless. The pistols are presented in Blaze Display Cases for security and safety. The GI version has a standard slide grip safety, and the Custom version features a beaver-tail grip safety. The guns are both in very good – to excellent – condition, showing just a few scattered scuffs with a light handling wear. The actions are crisp and bores are mirror-bright. The carrying cases accompanying both handguns evidence normal storage wear. In, or out, of their storage cases, the pistols make a statement. These Meteorite Pistols represent the first time such an item has been offered at auction or will be sold.

If you don’t have a million or two burning a hole in your pocket a nice Colt 1911 will probably be just fine.