WWII US Ithaca Model 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,227.99
LSB#: LSB260618MR087
Make: Ithaca
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 2134017
Year of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 5″, Colt
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 two-piece checkered brown Keyes Fibre panels with reinforcement ribs on the interior and reinforcement rings around the grip screws. The grips have fairly even handling wear with some scattered nicks and scuffs. The checkering is generally well defined with a patch of smoothed checkers on the left panel in front of the top screw. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to the parts, the barrel is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5-6/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 50% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Remaining finish blends well with areas gone to patina. There is wear on the slide consistent with holster use and some scattered surface oxidation. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, but the Ordnance wheel and some inspection marks are incomplete (as is common). Overall, this pistol is in 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 single 7-round Risdon magazine and a 1917-dated Graton & Knight M1916 holster.
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. As was the case in the First World War, the demands of the U.S. Military in the Second would require expansion of production of arms beyond the ability of individual companies and factories besides Colt’s were selected to produce 1911A1 pistols during the war. Prior to the United States entering the war, the Singer Sewing Machine company was tasked with an “Educational Order”, creating detailed instructions on how a factory could produce 1911-A1 pistols. This plan included the required tools, measurements, finishing processes, everything soup to nuts. With America’s entry into the war, this production study was provided to the Remington Rand typewriter company, Union Switch & Signal, and to Ithaca Gun Company.
This example was made by Ithaca in 1945. It is in Good condition, showing wear consistent with its age and service. The bore in its replacement Colt barrel has some light erosion and pitting, but the gun retains strong mechanics. This pistol would be a good addition to a collection and should also make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud