WWII Remington Rand M1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1900
LSB#: 210419MB38
Make: Remington Rand
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 1287517
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (Pg. 394 of Clawson’s “Colt .45 Service Pistols”)
Caliber: .45 A.C.P.
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame below the magazine release and the top of the slide in front of the rear sight are marked with a “P” acceptance proof. The left side of the frame above the magazine release is marked “FJA” (Frank J. Atwood Lt. Col., Sub-Inspector for Ithaca, Remington Rand and Union Switch). The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / NO. 1287517”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, and at the rear there is a faint Ordnance mark. The top of the frame near the disconnector and the rear face of the slide under the firing pin plate are each marked “G”. The barrel is marked “P” on the left link lug, the right is marked “HS”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a serrated, ramped rear face fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered brown plastic with reinforcement rings around the screws and reinforcement ribs on the inside. The grips have some minor handling wear and a few light nicks in the checkering. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There are dings in the feed-mouth at the breech which may interfere with feeding.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with thinning at most edges and a few light nicks and scratches. There is a spot of light oxidation in the right-side slide serrations. There are tool marks at the safety pin on the right of the frame. There is an “idiot mark” under the slide stop. There is minor handling wear in the grip areas. There are dings in the feed-mouth at the breech which may interfere with feeding. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are generally clear, the Ordnance wheel is shallow and incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-plus condition and would rate Very Good-Fine but for the feed-mouth of the barrel.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, but there are dings in the feed-mouth at the breech which may interfere with feeding. The trigger pull is crisp. There is light play between the slide and frame. This pistol has manual and grip safeties. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine marked “C” on the top of the floorplate and with the distinctive General Shaver Division (a division of Remington Rand) spot-welds on the spine. The magazine has light-moderate operational wear, some minor oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition. Also included is a Robert’s Arms Specialties Protecta-Gun two-piece cardboard box with a hand-written label which has non-matching information crossed out. This pistol’s serial number is hand-written on the top of the box in marker. The box shows little in the way of storage wear, in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: The 1911 and 1911-A1 pistols served the military of the United States from 1911 to 1985, through two World Wars and the Korean and Vietnam wars. They gained a reputation as a reliable handgun with plenty of stopping power, and are held in high regard by those who have used them. This example was made by Remington Rand in 1943. The pistol is in Good-plus condition, retaining the great majority of its original finish. The pistol’s bore is great, but there are dings in the feed-mouth at the chamber which may interfere with feeding. Otherwise, the mechanics are also great. A replacement barrel will likely be necessary for a shooter, but this is a nice piece to add to a collection as-is. It also comes with a magazine made by the General Shaver Division of Remington Rand. Please see our photos and good luck!