ecception...officers that retired were offered to keep issued side arms. pre 1960,s
i own my Uncles 1911A1, i have the D day bag, pilots ammo, holster, extra mags ect, he was a B24 pilot, and retired as a Capt. he was offered to keep his personal side arm. he did.
my Aunt, had thrown it in the trash, i fetched it from said trash bin...and i own it.