Yes....I said "space pistols"

The pistols you see above were said to be a gift to President Madison from General Ignacio Alvarez Thomas, Supreme Director of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata, which would became the Republic of Argentina. They are over 200 years of age, and are part of an enduring mystery.....

Here is a snippet from the BBC:

The intricately decorated guns were said to have been forged from the iron of a fallen meteorite.

They were a unique gift from the commander of a South American region, which would later become Argentina, to the fourth US president, James Madison.

"Permit me therefore to present to your Excellency... a specimen of the first essays of the manufacture of arms established in the provinces of Buenos Ayres and Tucuman," wrote General Ignacio Alvarez in an accompanying 14-page letter.

Over time, they passed into the hands of Madison's successor - James Monroe - and are now on display at a museum dedicated to him.

Since that time, the story of their origin has gone unquestioned.

Now, scientists armed with a battery of hi-tech machines have probed the pistols in unprecedented detail.

Full BBC Article Here

The article goes on to relate how the scientists findings are casting a doubt on the folklore attached to these beautiful pistols, and goes on to detail their adventures in try to resolve the true story of the their origin.

To our American readers have a safe & happy Memorial Day!