John Wayne Commemorative Armed Forces Replica .45 - This lot is an Armed Forces commemorative replica of the .45 automatic handguns used by John Wayne in his military films. Originally produced by The Franklin Mint in 1992 with approval from the Wayne family, this non-firing replica gun is engraved with John Wayne's signature. This lot also includes a 14.5 in x 12.5 in display frame to support this rare collectible piece, and includes five beautiful medallions representing each division of the Armed Forces. Born Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset, Iowa in 1907, John achieved his break in the film industry with a supporting role in the 1930 Western film The Big Trail. After appearing in a string of low-budget westerns throughout the 1930s, Wayne starred in the 1939 film Stagecoach, which catapulted Wayne into superstardom. Throughout his career, Wayne starred in more than 140 films, and in 1979, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his incredible contributions to the cinematic industry and American culture. He passed away at the age of 72 in 1979, and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter.