WWII Remington Rand M1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1575
LSB#: 210506MW53
Make: Remington Rand
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 1304275
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (Pg. 394 of Clawson’s “Colt .45 Service Pistols”)
Caliber: .45 A.C.P.
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame below 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 marked “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. 1304275”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, and at the rear there is a faint Ordnance mark. The top of the frame near the disconnector and the rear face of the slide under the firing pin plate are each marked “G”, the rear of the slide is also marked “U” under the plate. The barrel is marked “P” on the left link lug, the right is marked “HS”.
Barrel Length: 5”
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 checkered brown plastic with reinforcement rings around the screws and reinforcement ribs on the inside. The grips have some minor scuffs and scratches on the smooth bottom portion and the right panel has a few light nicks in the checkering. The checkering is otherwise sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is generally sharp. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with thinning at some edges and a few light nicks and scratches. Most of the balance is light handling wear in the grip areas. There are a couple of spots of light erosion in the frontstrap. The side faces of the hammer have been polished bright. There is some scraping under the finish on the left of the slide at the slide-stop notch. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the Ordnance wheel is shallow and incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is very 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: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine marked “R” on the top of the floorplate and with “C-R” on the bottom. The magazine has light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition.
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. This example was made by Remington Rand in 1943. The pistol is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished, retaining the great majority of its new parkerized finish with a shootable bore and strong mechanics. This would make a nice addition for a collector, but it should also prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
