General George S. Patton Jr. is a name that resonates through the annals of military history, conjuring images of fierce determination and unrelenting drive. Central to his formidable persona were his iconic sidearms – a pair of ivory-handled pistols that became as much a part of his legacy as his audacious tactics and fiery oratory. These were not merely decorative accouterments but symbols of leadership and battle readiness that inspired both awe and allegiance.
A recent highlight in the ongoing legacy of Patton’s revolvers is the auction sale of a Colt .45 revolver, once owned by the General himself, fetching a remarkable $75,000. This particular Colt .45 Model 1873 single-action revolver, is equipped with a distinctive stag horn grip. It is considered by many to be akin to his famous ivory-handled Colt .45, which is proudly displayed at The General George Patton Museum and Center of Leadership.
Patton’s affinity for the revolver dates back to his early military career. During the Punitive Expedition into Mexico in 1916, the same Colt .45 was at his side when he engaged in a gunfight at the Rancho San Miguelito. It was this encounter that marked his first combat experience and the beginning of his reputation as a master of mechanized warfare. The pistols themselves, according to historical accounts, were more than mere weapons; they were part of Patton’s calculated image, designed to embolden troops and intimidate enemies.
The ivory-handled revolvers are, perhaps, the most widely recognized symbols of Patton’s martial identity. While the .45 Colt Single Action revolver was his everyday carry, the .357 Magnum Smith & Wesson was deemed by Patton to be the “killing gun,” should the need arise on the battlefield. The .45, purchased in 1916 and notably notched, and the .357 Magnum, often mistaken for a twin to the .45 due to their similar appearances, both held a place of honor on Patton’s custom-made belt by Sam Myers.
Patton’s choice of sidearms reflected his philosophy and approach to combat. He believed in the decisive power of small arms and emphasized their importance in close combat situations. The pistols were not only part of his wardrobe but were integral to his fighting doctrine, which valued precision and individual marksmanship.
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