WWII US Remington Rand 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1725
LSB#: 210917MW01
Make: Remington Rand
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 1303452
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 (no magazine included)
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. 1303452”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, and at the rear there is an incomplete Ordnance wheel 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 face of the slide is also marked “C”. 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 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 some areas which are slightly smoothed, most notable at the bottom-front of the right panel and the top-front of the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished, likely Arsenal Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The most notable finish wear is on the top of the slide, mostly in front of the ejection port, and handling wear in the grip areas. There is some other scattered light wear including some minor nicks and scratches. There is a light “idiot mark” under the slide stop on the left of the frame. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings generally clear, the Ordnance wheel is incomplete (as is common). Overall, this pistol is in Very Good 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 “S” on its floorplate (Scovill). The magazine has scattered light wear, some surface erosion, mostly toward the bottom, 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 1943. It is in Very Good condition, retaining about 85% of its new 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!