WWII US Remington Rand 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2253

LSB#: 210819HE09

Make: Remington Rand

Model: 1911-A1

Serial Number: 1435757

Year of Manufacture: 1943 (Pg. 394 of Clawson’s “Colt .45 Service Pistols”)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by 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 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 below the slide stop 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. 1435757”, “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 and “HS” on the right.

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 semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is light operational wear. There is a faint “idiot mark” below the slide stop. There are a few minor nicks and handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings generally clear, the Ordnance wheel is incomplete (as is common). Overall, this pistol is in about Fine-plus 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: 

-Custom presentation case fit for the pistol, one magazine and an 8-cartridge block.

-Single 7-round magazine marked “R” on the top of the floorplate, “C-R” on the bottom.

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 Fine-Plus condition as refinished, retaining about 96% of its new parkerized finish, a shootable bore and strong mechanics. This would make a nice addition for a collector, especially with its included display case, but it should also prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!