If this Colt 1911 handgun could speak, the haunting stories it could tell.
Daniel MacMurray posted some photos of a Colt 1911 on Facebook that are quickly going viral.
The Colt 1911 is an iconic handgun, on the wishlist of many enthusiasts, but this particular one is special. It's not clear on first glance what exactly sets this one apart, but a closer look reveals a now-silent testament to the horrors of war.
MacMurray wrote the damage to this stainless steel handgun is believed to have been caused by shrapnel from an artillery fire explosion.
"This weapon was very likely holstered at the time, and the soldier was facing the explosion," MacMurray wrote. "I can't begin to tell you how powerful of a sentiment this raised in my heart to hold this." 
We'll never know who owned this Colt 1911 semi-auto pistol, or what their fate was. But it's probably safe to say the outcome was not good for this poor soldier.
Coincidentally enough, a tag attached to the semi-automatic pistol in the photos labels it as having been found after the Battle of Bastogne during World War II in 1944. That battle started 71 years ago this week between the United States Army and German forces in Belgium. The fighting saw some 3,000 American casualties.
MacMurray wrote in his post: "Today, I held hell in my hands." We couldn't agree more MacMurray. Thanks for sharing these photos of this amazing Colt 1911 and reminding us of the bravery and sacrifice of these young men 71 years ago!
NEXT: WHY BERETTA USA IS MAKING THE MOVE FROM MARYLAND TO TENNESSEE
