WWII US Remington Rand 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1509
LSB#: 210924DL02
Make: Remington Rand
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 1970845
Year of Manufacture: 1944 (Pg. 394 of Clawson’s “Colt .45 Service Pistols”)
Caliber: .45 A.C.P.
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 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. 1970845”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, and at the rear there is a partial crossed cannon 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 top of the frame is marked with two. The barrel is marked “P” on the left link lug and “HS” on the right. The inside of the dust cover has a light “X”. The left front bow of the trigger guard is marked “7”. The right rear bow of the trigger guard is marked “7” and the front bow is marked “6”.
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 little marks and hairline scratches on the bottom faces. There are a few little tool marks on the reinforcement rings. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is generally strong but has some rub wear, light compressions, and scattered little nicks to the peaks. The wear is heaviest on the left panel. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is light erosion scattered throughout.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The metal has scattered erosion under the finish, some of the most noticeable is on the sides of the slide but it is scattered throughout. There is some wear on the front edges of the dust cover. There are some little scuffs and draglines. There is some thinning on the front edges of the slide. The serrations on the front sight and on the slide are worn down due to refinishing, so is the checkering of the trigger and hammer. There are some little spots of erosion on the front of the muzzle. The bottom of the slide has some finish loss from operation. There is some wear on the notch of the rear sight. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are light and rounded but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Included is one 7-round Kimber magazine.
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 1944. It is in Very Good condition, retaining about 95% of its new finish, a good shootable bore and strong mechanics. This would make a nice shooter and should be a fun range toy for decades to come. Please see our photos and good luck!