WWII U.S. & S. CO. M1911A1 .45 ACP U.S. Army Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,651.00
LSB#: LSB250512SG153
Make: Union Switch & Signal CO.
Model: M1911A1
Serial Number: 1083874
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (WWII Era, C&R Eligible)
Caliber: .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single-Action, Fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “U.S. & S. CO. / SWISSVALE, PA U.S.A.” The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”, “M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY / No. 1083874”. The left side of the frame is marked “R.C.D. and “P”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a fixed square-notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistol has a set of brown checkered grips, typical of wartime production. Both grips are made by Colt. The grips are in good condition, showing light wear with no significant chips or cracks. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One detachable 7-round .45 ACP magazines.
Type of Finish: Parkerized frame and slide, blued barrel and controls
Finish Originality: Armory refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is defined with light wear. There is moderate erosion in the bore towards the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate handling marks, and some finish thinning on the high edges. There are minor scratches and moderate operational wear present. There is moderate scratching from the slide stop being removed. The barrel has moderate finish wear from operation. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings remain crisp and legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide cycles smoothly, the safety and trigger operate as intended, and the magazine locks securely. The trigger breaks crisply and the slide to frame fit has some light play. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The U.S. & S. Co. M1911A1 is an uncommon and highly collectible World War II-era .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Union Switch & Signal of Swissvale, Pennsylvania. Of the major wartime contractors, U.S& S produced the second-lowest number of M1911A1 pistols—approximately 55,000—making these examples especially desirable to collectors. The pistol follows standard M1911A1 design features, including a single-action, short-recoil operated mechanism, 7-round magazine, and parkerized finish. Originally produced to meet wartime demand, these pistols exemplify the industrial mobilization of American manufacturers during WWII and remain a sought-after piece of military history in the Curio & Relic category. Make sure to inspect our detailed pictures to get a better idea of the firearm. -C.R.
