WWII US Ithaca Model 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2154
LSB#: 211017DR17
Make: Ithaca Gun Co.
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 1820292
Year of Manufacture: 1944 (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 double-stamped “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. 1820292”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, and at the rear there is an incomplete. Ordnance mark. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P”, the right “HS”. The right front bow of the trigger guard is marked “7”. The left front bow of the trigger guard is marked with an Ithaca inspection mark.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a ramped rear face fixed to the slide. The rear face of the front sight has some nicks and appears to have been filed as there are no serrations. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered brown plastic without reinforcement rings around the screws and with reinforcement ribs on the inside. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered nicks and scuffs. Three grip screws sit notably proud to the grips, the bottom-left screw fits properly. The checkering is generally strong. There are no chips or cracks. The grips fit very tightly to the bushings, we were not able to remove the grips. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are scattered pinpricks of erosion under the finish. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable in the frontstrap. There is an “idiot mark” below the slide stop and on the slide above the stop. There are light tool marks around most pin heads on the right of the frame. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are generally clear, but 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 is crisp. 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. The magazine has light operational wear, 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. 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 Ithaca Gun Company was selected to produce 1911A1 pistols during the war. This example was made by Ithaca in 1944. It is in about Very Good condition as refinished, retaining much of its new blued finish, a nice bore, and strong mechanics. This would be a great addition to a collection and should also make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!