WWII US Remington Rand 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1654
LSB#: 210904DJ71
Make: Remington Rand
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 2148011
Year of Manufacture: 1945 (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.”. This marking appears cut, not stamped, and is not genuine. 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 2148011”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, “M R” (Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot) and at the rear there is an incomplete Ordnance wheel mark. The right of the trigger guard is marked “9” and “X”, the left is marked “7”. 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 slide stop is marked “3”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a 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 light handling wear with a few nicks, scratches and some tool marks in the reinforcement rings around the screws. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: The frame was refurbished by Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot. The slide has been refinished and re-marked.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The most notable finish wear is in the trigger guard and dust cover. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish, most on the dust cover and slide stop. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs. There is minor handling wear in the grip areas. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings generally clear, the “P” inspection proofs are incomplete, the Ordnance wheel is incomplete (as is common) and the “M R” arsenal marking is poorly struck. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is minor 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 single 7-round magazine marked “L” and “C-L” on its floorplate (M.S. Little for Colt). The magazine has light wear, some surface erosion on the right of the body, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 1945. It is in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished, retaining about 95% of its new parkerized finish, a shootable bore and strong mechanics. The frame went through the Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot for a rebuild and at some point the slide had new markings applied and was refinished. This would make a good addition for a collector, but it should also prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!