WWII US Remington Rand 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1763
LSB#: 210904DJ46
Make: Remington Rand
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 2025664
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. 2025664”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, and at the rear there is a 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 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 “1”. The right rear bow of the trigger guard is marked “S” and the front bow is marked “Y”.
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 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 and a few scattered little nicks to the peaks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished, likely arsenal refurbished.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling and no erosion.
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 on the top of the slide and grip areas. There is some scabbing and light erosion on the left side of the slide at the front. There is an “idiot mark” below the slide stop and lightly on the slide. There are a few other scattered marks and scuffs. There are a few little spots of discoloration from previous oxidation, mostly on the front strap and on the right of the slide behind the serrations. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear but 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: Included is one 7-round magazine with no markings.
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 85% of its new parkerized finish, a good 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!