USGI Springfield Armory National Match Ithaca Slide Remington Rand Frame
SOLD FOR: $2125
LSB#: 220114HB001
Make: Remington Rand frame, Ithaca slide, Springfield Armory re-worked.
Model: M1911A1 National Match, 1962
Serial Number: 1562857
Year of Manufacture: 1944. Based on features, this pistol appears to have been re-built as a National Match pistol between 1960 and 1962.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left of the slide is marked “ITHACA GUN CO., INC. / ITHACA. N.Y.”, the right is marked “2857”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “8”. The left of the frame is marked “FJA” below the slide stop with a fairly clear “P” below and behind the magazine release and a more faded “P” above the magazine release. There is another “P” on the top of the slide next to a punch mark. There is a punch mark on the left of the frame in the relief cut behind the trigger. The right of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / NO 1562857”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, “S A”, and “T”. The right of the trigger guard is marked “N M / S” and “U”. The barrel is marked “45 AUTO / NM 7790313 / 1562857” at the chamber, the left link-lug is marked “M” and “P”, the right link-lug is marked “C” in box. The link is marked “S”. The front face of the bushing is marked “7267718 / N M”, the outside of the barrel bushing is hand-scribed “2857” over another hand-scribed number which is obscured.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall, 1/8″ wide patridge blade with integral serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a Micro square-notch adjustable for windage and elevation dovetailed to the rear of the slide. The left of the rear sight base is marked with a crossed-cannon Ordnance marking.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have fairly even light handling wear and some minor discoloration. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized, Aluminum Trigger (see Our Assessment)
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with some edge-thinning and a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some nicks under the finish. The grip areas show minor handling wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete, the serial number has been re-applied. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as customized by the Springfield Armory.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit has barely perceptible play. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine and a two-piece Protecta-Gun cardboard craft box. The magazine floorplate is marked “19200- / ASSY 5508694 / MFR. 30745”. The magazine shows light operational wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring.
Our Assessment: Developed from the standard-issue 1911 sidearm, the National Match pistols were accurized and fitted with adjustable target sights for use by U.S. military competition shooters. Using Bill Jenkins’ book “U.S. Military Match and Marksmanship Automatic Pistols” for reference, we have confirmed that this example has proper markings, features and matching serialized parts for a National Match pistol assembled by Springfield Armory between 1960 and 1962. There were 1960 National Match pistols returned for upgrades in 1961 and 1962, but in 1962 the practice of serial marking the slides was discontinued. This pistol has all of the 1962 features, but its serial-matched slide (as well as the bushing and barrel!) indicate that it was a pistol which returned to Springfield for these upgrades. This was an exciting time for Camp Perry competitors, the adjustable rear sight had only been introduced in 1961 and 1962 was the first year that all of the pistols were so equipped. While this should make for a great target pistol for another lifetime, USGI National Match pistols are also sought-after collectors’ items. With its matching numbered parts, proper configuration, and high condition, this pistol will certainly interest the collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!