WWII Ithaca M1911A1 .45 ACP U.S. Army Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,753.55

LSB#: LSB250512SG154

Make: Ithaca Gun Co. Inc.

Model: M1911A1

Serial Number: 862803 (This is a crossover serial number with other brands)

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 “ITHACA GUN CO. INC. / ITHACA, N.Y.” The right side of the slide is marked “5008”. The top of the slide is marked “P”. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”, “M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY / No. 862803”. The left side of the frame is marked “FJA” 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 minimal wear with no chips or cracks. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One detachable 7-round .45 ACP magazine manufactured by M.S. Little. The magazine shows light finish wear, but is otherwise in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Armory refurbished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp with minimal wear. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no handling marks, and some finish thinning on the high edges. There is very minor operational wear present. The barrel has almost no finish wear from operation. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings remain crisp and legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent 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 WWII-era Ithaca M1911A1 is a solidly built .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol produced in 1943 for the U.S. military. Ithaca Gun Company, primarily known for its shotguns, was contracted during World War II to assist in 1911A1 production under wartime expansion of Arsenal facilities. These pistols feature standard military issue configuration—a 7-round magazine, parkerized finish, and checkered wooden grips—and are clearly marked with Ithaca’s distinctive factory code on the slide. As part of the C&R era, this example is historically significant not only for its role in the global conflict but also for demonstrating how civilian manufacturers like Ithaca contributed to the war effort. Today, it’s prized by collectors for its wartime provenance, rugged craftsmanship, and connection to American industrial mobilization. Make sure to inspect our detailed pictures to get a better idea of the firearm. -C.R.