DESIRABLE WWII US UNION SWITCH & SIGNAL M1911A1 .45 ACP PISTOL
SOLD FOR: $8,330
Desirable WWII US Union Switch & Signal M1911A1 .45 ACP Pistol
Model: M1911A1
Serial Number: 1048237
Year of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are Keyes Fibre checkered brown plastic panels. The grips have no notable wear, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Du-Lite
Finish Originality: Most finish appears original, the trigger relief cuts have irregular polishing and may have been touched-up.
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. There is handling wear in the grip areas. There are some light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine marked “L” on the floorplate.
Our Assessment: As the name suggests, Union Switch & Signal Co. produced switches and signaling equipment for railroads. They received a contract to produce 200,000 1911-A1 pistols, though the contract would be shortened with only 55,000 delivered to the government. This example is from fairly early in US&S production, retaining the great majority of its Du-Lite finish and strong mechanics. As the second Rarest manufacturer of the M1911A1, this Union Switch & Signal will be a great addition to your collection.