WWII Remington Rand M1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1800

LSB#: 210419MB39

 

Make: Remington Rand

 

Model: 1911-A1

 

Serial Number: 1400356

 

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. 1400356”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, and at the rear there is a faint Ordnance mark. The left of the trigger guard is marked “P”, the right has “D” and “J”. 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 “C” 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, small on the left, large on the right, and reinforcement ribs on the inside. The grips have some minor scuffs and scratches on the smooth bottom portion and the right panel has some scattered light nicks in the checkering. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.

 

Type of Finish: Parkerized

 

Finish Originality: Refinished

 

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly-bright with sharp rifling. There is some light erosion in the grooves just in front of the chamber.

 

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with thinning at most edges and a few light nicks and scratches. There are a couple of more notable nicks on the bottom-right edge of the slide. There is an “idiot mark” under the slide stop. There is minor handling wear in the grip areas. There is some pinprick erosion under the finish on the slide. 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 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 minor operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition. Also included is a black leather flap-holster, marked “US” in oval on the flap and with “BUCHEIMER” in oval and “7791466” on the belt-loop. The holster has scattered light wear, scuffs, scratches and some fraying at edges with verdigris at the metal fixtures, in about Good-plus 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 nice bore and strong mechanics. It also comes with a post-war black leather holster. 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!