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

SOLD FOR: $2185

LSB#: 210913BM01

Make: Remington Rand

Model: 1911-A1

Serial Number: 1014249

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

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. 1014249”, “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 rear of the slide under the firing pin plate is also marked with a small triangle and small square. 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 faint marks on the reinforcement rings. There are a couple of light marks on the bottoms. The checkering is strong. 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: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some stubborn leading in the grooves. There are a few spots of faint surface erosion.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered thinning and light scuffs. There are some spots of erosion on the top of the slide. There are some little spots of discoloration from previous oxidation and oil staining, most noticeable on the sides of the slide. There is some oxidation on the right side and back of the grip safety. There is an “idiot mark” below the slide stop. There are a few other scattered light marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are generally clear, the “SYRACUSE” marking is poorly struck, but legible and the Ordnance wheel is incomplete (as is common). Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.

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 a 7-round 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 1943. It is in Very Good condition, retaining about 80% of its original 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!