When it comes to 1911, craftsmanship is the key. Add to that our desire for unique and series-driven pieces. Few companies today work to meet these desires. One that stands out is SK Guns, located in sunny St. Augustine, Florida. Their latest offering is SK’s Cinco de Mayo 1911—In Honor of General Ignacio Zaragoza.
A Celebration 1911 – SK’s Cinco de Mayo 1911
This production is limited to 500 highly-polished Royal Blue Colt 1911s chambered in .38 Super. Similar to the recent “Solo Lobo” production, this run will be available with an optional custom hand-forged Damascus Steel knife for purchase.
History of Cinco de Mayo
The holiday of Cinco de Mayo commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla during the Second Intervention of France. During this altercation, General Ignacio Zaragoza’s vastly outnumbered Mexican army achieved a remarkable and unlikely victory over French forces. Cinco de Mayo marks a triumph that stands forever as a symbol of resistance, unity, and national pride in Mexican culture.
The Second Intervention of France was when French President Napoleon III sought to establish a monarchy in Mexico. He planned to leverage the strong French military to overpower the Mexican resistance. The Mexican resistance was led by General Zaragoza, who was a determined and strategic leader born in the then-Mexican province of Texas. He rallied 4,000 ill-equipped Mexican troops to face off against a well-armed force of 6,000 Frenchmen.
Daring Victory
“General Zaragoza’s daring victory against the French was marked by superior tactics and cunning. Not only was it a major victory on the battlefield, but it became a source of inspiration across the Mexican resistance,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “This production is an homage to the symbolism that Cinco de Mayo still carries. It celebrates Mexican resilience, culture, and courage, both in Mexico and throughout the United States.”
General Ignacio Zaragoza, who tragically died of typhoid just months after the battle, is remembered as a national hero. His words, “Las armas nacionales se han cubierto de Gloria” (translated: “The national arms have been covered with glory”), still echo with pride today.
Details of The Production
On the left side of the slide, the Battle of Puebla is portrayed by Mexican General Zaragoza and a French rival in battle on horseback. The forward slide is decorated with the indigenous Lily flower in 24k gold. The slide and frame feature is decorated with Calavera de Azucar (translated: Sugar Skulls) along the front and back of the slide. This elegantly adorns the frame dust rail, completing the art with the iconic Colt serpent logo on the rear panel.
On the right side of the slide, we honor this holiday with the Mexican flag and caption “Cinco De Mayo,” mirroring the left side. The Lily flower is again decorated all in 24k gold. The top of the slide has General Ignacio Zaragoza’s name in a stylish font with a portrait.
Below the General’s portrait, the years 1829-1862 are engraved into a 24k gold ribbon to commemorate his success against the French occupancy. A subtle scroll decorates the chamber with the iconic Mexican Eagle of the era. The grips are stylish Presentation Black Kirinite® with 24k gold grip screws and the iconic Colt Rampart inserts.
Synder Knives crafts the matching knife, hand-forged in the United States from Devilles Damascus steel. The EDC fixed-blade knife has a matching Presentation Black Kirinite Grip and a sheath from Herman Oak Leather, sourced in the United States. Each knife and sheath are marked with the collector’s matching gun number and production logo.
SK’s Cinco de Mayo 1911
This standalone production has an MSRP of $2,900 and will begin shipping in July 2025. The matching collector’s knives are available for an additional $800 and will begin shipping in June 2025.
For more information, please visit:https://www.skguns.com/product/cinco-de-mayo-general-ignacio-zaragoza/
