Forged from History: Cabot’s ‘California’ 1911 Isn’t Available in California — SHOT Show 2023

in Levi Sim, SHOT Show 2023
Forged from History: Cabot's 'California' 1911 Isn't Available in California -- SHOT Show 2023
Cabot’s latest craftsman collaboration 1911 is the “California” (not available in California).

Cabot Guns has done it again: They’ve gathered an exotic material and worked with an American craftsman to create 4 unique full-size 1911s chambered in .45 ACP.

Robert Eggerling meticulously prepared sections of cable from the Golden Gate Bridge and forged unique billets to make these guns. Incredibly, Eggerling forged icons into the billet that are clearly recognized images of the bridge itself.

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Forged from History: Cabot's 'California' 1911 Isn't Available in California -- SHOT Show 2023
Basically, it’s a 1911. But it’s also a work of art.
Forged from History: Cabot's 'California' 1911 Isn't Available in California -- SHOT Show 2023
The Damascus has tiny images built-in, and one of them stands in place of the slide serrations.

One of the forged images of the bridge was purposely placed in the billet where rear slide serrations belong. But instead of machining serrations into the slide, Cabot used a new process of selective etching. Acid eroded the image of the bridge into a deep bas-relief leaving enough texture to serve as the serrations.

Forged from History: Cabot's 'California' 1911 Isn't Available in California -- SHOT Show 2023
It has a grip safety and a skeletonized hammer.
Forged from History: Cabot's 'California' 1911 Isn't Available in California -- SHOT Show 2023
The trigger billet has even tinier images forged in place.

The billet for the trigger is an even finer mosaic of Damascus imagery, but it’s not random. Eggerling’s signature is included here, as well as a portrait of his girlfriend, a self-portrait, and even the classic stars Cabot always includes on their triggers.

Forged from History: Cabot's 'California' 1911 Isn't Available in California -- SHOT Show 2023
Damascus slide’s iridescence stands out against the steel of the frame.

There are no carry nor lightening cuts on the frame: Its bold angles echo the mosaics in the Damascus. What’s more, the front sight is solid 14-karat gold, paying homage to the California gold rush for which the Golden Gate Bridge was named.

Forged from History: Cabot's 'California' 1911 Isn't Available in California -- SHOT Show 2023
The gold ingot front sight refers to the California Gold Rush.
Forged from History: Cabot's 'California' 1911 Isn't Available in California -- SHOT Show 2023
The rear sight is serrated to reduce glare, but it may not be effective at reducing the glaringly shiny finish of this 1911.

Not only did Robert Eggerling craft the steel for this 1911, but Master Furniture Maker Steven Parker crafted a display box that matches the gun’s quality. It’s made from California Redwood and includes steel cables from the bridge.

Cabot built four guns and four boxes, and all four were sold immediately via their website. You can sign up for their newsletter to get the jump on the next edition of 1911 they create. Just have your $5,000 deposit ready, with the rest of the price due within 30 days.

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About the author: Levi Sim Levi is an avid hunter, and an increasingly avid shooter. He strives to make delicious and simple recipes from the game he kills. He makes a living as a professional photographer and writer. Check out his work and he’d love to connect on Instagram: @outdoorslevi

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