USGI National Match NM Remington Rand/Ithaca 1911A1 1911-A1 Pistol 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2259

LSB#: 210419MB23

Make: Remington Rand frame, Ithaca slide, Springfield Armory re-worked.

Model: M1911A1 National Match, 1962

Serial Number: 1562857

Year of Manufacture: 1943

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left of the slide is marked “ITHACA GUN CO., INC. / ITHACA. N.Y.”, the right is marked “2857”, the rear of the slide under the firing pin plate has an incomplete flaming bomb arsenal mark. The left of the trigger guard is marked “8”. The left of the frame is marked “FJA” below the slide stop with a fairly clear “P” below and behind the magazine release. There is another “P” on the top of the slide next to a punch mark. The right of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / NO. 1562857”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, “S A”, and “T”. The right of the trigger guard is marked “N M / S” and “U”. The top of the frame is marked “G” by the disconnector, the inside of the dust cover is marked “P”. The barrel is marked “.45 AUTO / NM 7790313 / 1562857” at the chamber, the left link-lug is marked “M” and “P”, the right lug is marked “C” in square. The link is marked “S”. The front face of the bushing is marked “7267718 / N M”, the outside of the barrel bushing is hand-scribed “2857”. The right of the rear sight base is marked “Micro” and the left has a crossed cannon Ordnance mark.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall, 1/8″ wide patridge blade with integral serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a Micro square notch adjustable sight dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have light handling wear, mostly on the right panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized, Alloy Trigger

Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with a few scattered light nicks and scuffs, including some nicks under the finish. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as customized by the Springfield Armory.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit has barely perceptible play. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine, marked “19200- / ASSY 5508694 / MFR. 30745”. The magazine has light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition. Also included is a Robert’s Arms Specialties Protecta-Gun two-piece cardboard box with a hand-written label which has this pistol’s information. The box shows little in the way of storage wear, in Fine-Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: Developed from the standard-issue 1911 sidearm, the National Match pistols were accurized and fitted with adjustable target sights for use by U.S. military competition shooters. Using Bill Jenkins’ book “U.S. Military Match and Marksmanship Automatic Pistols” for reference, we have confirmed that this example has proper markings, features and matching serialized parts for a 1962 National Match pistol assembled by Springfield Armory. In 1962, all of the National Match pistols were assembled with Micro adjustable sights and a newly designed barrel link was introduced, marked “S”. While this should make for a great target pistol for another lifetime, USGI National Match pistols are also sought-after collectors’ items. With its matching numbered parts, proper configuration, and high condition, this pistol will certainly interest the collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!