WWII U.S. Ithaca Model 1911-A1 1911A1 .45 ACP 5″ Semi-Auto Pistol, 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2805

LSB#: 210904DJ39

Make: Ithaca

Model: 1911-A1

Serial Number: 908109

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 “ITHACA GUN CO., INC. / ITHACA, N.Y.”. 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. 908109”, “M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, and at the rear there is just an Ordnance mark. The interior of the dust cover has a small flaming bomb. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P”, the right “F”. The right front bow of the trigger guard is marked “S”. The back of the slide is marked with a small flaming bomb under the firing pin stop.

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 hardly noticeable marks on the reinforcement rings. There are a couple of light marks on the bottoms. The checkering is strong with few scattered light nicks and marks, mostly on the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is generally sharp. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: The barrel is a replacement. Refinished, likely arsenal refurbished.

Bore Condition: The chrome-lined bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no faint surface erosion, mostly just in the grooves.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is thinning and finish loss on the edges, most noticeable at the front of the slide. There are some mottled oil stains and areas of light thinning. There is some mottled discoloration on the grip safety, chamber, and mainspring housing. There are some scattered little scuffs and a few spots of discoloration from previous oxidation. There is a light takedown mark on the left of the frame. There are a few other scattered light marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, but the Ordnance wheel is incomplete (as is common). Overall, this pistol is in about Fine 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 marked “L” on the top of the baseplate

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 Ithaca in 1943. It is in about Fine condition, retaining about 95% of its current finish, a good bore in its replacement barrel, and strong mechanics. This would be a great addition to a collection and should also be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!