SK Guns continues its “Lost States of America” series with a new limited-edition firearm dedicated to the proposed State of Montezuma and the man behind the Gadsden Purchase, James Gadsden. This special release features 200 custom Colt 1911 Full-Size Government Models chambered in .45 ACP, combining historical storytelling with high-end craftsmanship.

The Lost State of Montezuma references a mid-19th-century proposal that never materialized, despite the U.S. acquiring 30,000 square miles of land from Mexico in 1853. That land, now part of southern Arizona and New Mexico, was intended to support a southern transcontinental railroad.
“We are commemorating James Gadsden in this context to highlight his influence on the territorial expansion of the United States,” said Simon Khiabani, SK Guns owner and founder. “While the State of Montezuma remains a historical thought, it emphasizes the dynamic and often complex process of nation-building during a transformative period in American history.”
A Firearm Rich in History & Design
The slide artwork tells the story of the Gadsden Purchase through intricate engravings, including:
- Palo Verde scrollwork (Arizona’s state tree) and the American Bald Eagle
- Mexico’s Gold Eagle, accented by banners with New Mexico’s motto “Crescit Eundo” (“It Grows as it Goes”) and Arizona’s seal “Ditat Deus” (“God Enriches”)
- A depiction of the treaty signing, marking the official transfer of land
- A portrait of James Gadsden, alongside the words “Lost State of Montezuma”
- The iconic Manifest Destiny symbol, “American Progress”
The 24k gold detailing enhances the historical engravings, while Desert Ironwood grips from the Sonoran Desert add a distinct Southwestern touch.
Limited Availability & Pre-Orders
Only 200 units of this special-edition pistol will be produced, with an MSRP starting at $2,900. Pre-orders are open now, and shipping begins in late May 2025.
For more details and pre-order options, visit SK Guns. Follow SK Guns on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates on new releases.
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