SK Customs, the Nation’s only series-driven, limited-edition manufacturer of custom firearms, has released an Early Italian Renaissance series in collaboration with Springfield Armory throughout 2024, marking a new era by launching Springfield’s very first engravers model 1911 stainless, chambered in 45 ACP. The series will kick off by featuring Michelangelo, and will be the first installment of a four-part collection of handguns inspired by the art and innovation of the early Italian Renaissance.
Each installment of the Early Italian Renaissance series will be a limited-edition firearm, with only 250 numbered units being released per firearm. The Michelangelo edition will feature some of his most influential work, showcasing David and depictions of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling and the “Madonna della Pietá.”
“The goal of the Early Italian Renaissance series is to symbolize the cultural rebirth of the 15th century and pay homage to the knowledge, art and humanism that sparked iconic paintings, sculptures and architecture during this era,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “The Michelangelo firearm strikingly introduces this series. The combination of the gold plating and the teal color conversion accents is spectacular, and we are able to pay homage to some of Michelangelo’s most iconic works.”
SK Customs uses proprietary color conversion engineering to create a teal color that is highly reflective and permanent. Michelangelo wears genuine imported Italian Olivewood grip panels engraved with Italy’s Fleur de Lis which are hand-painted to match the teal accents on the slide.
SK Customs applies a semi-polished finish on the frame and the slide flats and a high-polished finish on the barrel of the firearm. There is selective 24-karat gold plating on the artwork featured on this handgun and on select parts of the gun itself.
In addition to Michelangelo, SK Customs and Springfield Armory will also introduce Leonardo da Vinci, Andrea del Sarto, and Raphael. SK and Springfield draw inspiration for the design of the body of the gun from the popular Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison.
Gold Series
Also included in the Early Italian Renaissance Series is a collection of limited-edition engravers model 1911 pistols dubbed the “Gold Series.” This limited batch will consist of only 25 completed series sets with consecutive series numbers and matching edition numbers. These sets will also contain a matching limited-edition engraved 24-karat gold etched blades, numbered to match each set, by renowned knife maker Coltellerie Maserin. A custom wall or tabletop display case will also be made optional for those who want to display their “Gold Series” in an elegant manner.