**THIS ISSUE IS CLOSED**
Turn back the clock…return to a generation ago to the early 1960’s. The M14 was our country’s last “big-bore” main battle rifle. It was a “Four-in-One” weapons system, designed to replace the M1 Garand, the M1/M2 Carbine, the BAR and the M3 Submachine Gun. It is an all-time classic – an important “must” in any collection. And the most gallant heritage of the M14 was its war years. The American Historical Foundation is proud to announce the custom-decorated Vietnam War Commemorative Tribute Rifle, celebrating the legendary M14.
Museum Quality Limited Edition: Only 500 Available
The M14 is called the “ultimate development” of the main battle rifle because it is built on weapons that preceded it. The basic design is that of the M1 Garand, but upgraded. And the rifles that followed are “assault rifles” rather than “main battle rifles” – light and efficient compared to big, heavy creations involving considerable craftsmanship and lots of wood.
As such, it’s a weapon which represents an important era to Americans – the late ‘50s and the early ‘60s. Our country changed so much from the early 60’s, when the M14 was our military rifle, to the late 60’s, by which time the M16 had taken its place.
It is a weapon which Vietnam Veterans, and many veterans who did their training well prior to the war and even after will remember. It is the rifle on which they learned the manual of arms, and the firearm on which they learned the art of field stripping and cleaning a weapon so it would pass inspection.
The Vietnam War is a bygone era; and the M14 is a bygone weapon.
Now, to provide a lasting, tangible tribute to that time, to that “noble cause”, as President Reagan called it, and to those gallant Americans who answered the call to duty in Vietnam, The American Historical Foundation is proud to present the Vietnam War Commemorative Tribute Rifle.
No arms collection is complete without an M14. The problem all collectors and veterans face is that “stock” original M14’s are virtually impossible to own – as they are selective fire – (full-auto and semi-auto). Today, Springfield Armory produces an updated version of the M14 which fires in semi-auto only (not full-auto), so most citizens can own it (Model M1A Rifle). This is the rifle we selected for this historic issue. Only 500 of these Tribute Rifles are available in the edition.
Each rifle is a semi-automatic and fires the 7.62 mm (.308 ball ammo), like the Vietnam era M14s.
Craftsmen commissioned specifically for this project by America Remembers decorate each working rifle in elegant 24-Karat Gold with a deluxe overall blued finish. The steel components glisten; they are mirror polished by skilled gun polishers, maintaining the crisp edges. The blueing is high gloss deluxe blueing, using only the traditional high-temperature heat bath immersion method. This Limited Edition reflects its special status with mirror polished, 24-Karat Gold plated components… 12 parts receive this special attention: front sight, safety, magazine release, front and rear sling swivel sets (4 parts), rear sight assembly (3 parts), and trigger. Even the flash suppressor is plated with 24-Karat Gold.
Further distinguishing this as a special, exhibition piece, the operating rod and receiver are deeply etched and decorated with 24-Karat Gold with patriotic commemorative inscriptions.
This Deluxe Museum Edition is built with a custom made Walnut stock. It gleams with seven coats of lacquer, hand-rubbed and polished to museum-quality.
Inset in the shoulder stock, a cloisonné fired enamel medallion proudly honors all Vietnam Veterans and features a Southeast Asian dragon, a familiar symbol to Vietnam Vets. A deluxe leather sling complements the stocks.
This issue is available only from The American Historical Foundation in a limited edition of only 500 Tribute rifles. To place your reservation, call toll-free at 1-800-368-8080.
The fit and finish result in a gorgeous piece you will display with pride to your friends and family members – and this Tribute will be especially meaningful to veterans who trained with one or carried one in combat. As such, it will also be a special family heirloom to pass along to future generations.
No. 1 Presented to General Westmoreland
The three-digit registry numbers range between 001-500 with the prefix “VME” for “Vietnam-Museum Edition”, further designating this to be a special edition. Serial No. 001 was presented by the Foundation to General William Westmoreland, who in turn, presented it for military museum display at Patriot’s Point Museum.
Your rifle is also accompanied by:
– A legal 10-round magazine
– A Military Field Manual
– The Certificate of Authenticity, your assurance of the worldwide edition limit, and your specific Limited Edition Registry Number.
– A brown military-pattern sling
This is an important and limited opportunity to own this important American main battle rifle. It is a magnificent work of craftsmanship in steel and 24-Karat Gold which will give you pride each time you hold it and show it to family and friends.
Shipping Procedures
Since the Tribute is a working firearm, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice. Your satisfaction is guaranteed or return in original, unfired condition within 30 days for a full refund. A convenient monthly payment plan is available.
Order
I wish to reserve the “Vietnam War Commemorative Tribute Rifle“, a working M1A rifle, at the price of $3,995*. Each rifle is numbered and registered within the limited edition of 500, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Thirty-day return privilege.
Please charge my credit card a deposit of $195 per rifle. I will pay the balance prior to delivery at the rate of $380 per month, with no interest or carrying charge.
* All orders are subject to acceptance and availability. If I cancel my reservation prior to delivery, I will receive a full refund, less a commissioning fee of $195. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.
