WWII US Remington Rand 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2275
LSB#: 210810JG02
Make: Remington Rand
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 998135
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (Pg. 394 of Clawson’s “Colt .45 Service Pistols”)
Caliber: .45 A.C.P.
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine (no magazine included)
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame behind 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 998135”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, and at the rear there is just an 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 “S” and “P” on the left link lug.
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 minor handling wear. There are a few scattered minor marks, most are tool marks in the reinforcement rings around the screws. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is generally sharp. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered light finish wear, mostly in the slide flats and grip areas. There is some light erosion on the left slide flat and the top of the slide above the left slide flat. There is an “idiot mark” below the slide stop. There are a few other scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings generally clear, the left slide markings are worn, but legible and the Ordnance wheel is incomplete (as is common). Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 brown leather holster. The holster is open along the dust cover/trigger guard end with a metal clip sewn in to hold the pistol. It has a strap with holes for some sort of harness and another which has been cut. The strap is partially cut through where it meets the holster. Please note, no magazine is included.
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. It is in Very Good condition, retaining about 85% of its new parkerized finish, a shootable bore and strong mechanics. This would make a nice addition for a collector, but it should also prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!