WWII Union Switch & Signal US&S USS M1911A1 Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,235.02
LSB#: LSB260221TP036
Make: Union Switch & Signal
Model: M1911A1
Serial Number: 1093170
Year of Manufacture: 1943 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-automatic, short-recoil operated, fed by detachable magazines
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with a “USS” monogram logo and “U.S. & S. CO. / SWISSVALE, PA. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame below the magazine release is marked with a “P” acceptance proof. The left side of the frame above the magazine release is marked with circled “R.C.D.”. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 1093170”, “M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P”, the right is marked “HS”. The top of the floorplate toe is marked “L”.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short, serrated, ramped blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are early Keyes Fibre, without reinforced rings and with strengthening ribs. The grips have light handling wear with some dings and drag lines. The checkering is well defined. There is faint tooling on the grip screws. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Arsenal refurbished and spots of cold blue
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its current metal finish. There are some old blemishes under the current finish and cold blue, as well as some more visible wear on the mainspring housing. The markings are fairly clear and complete. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is minor 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: One 7-round M.S. Little Mfg. Co. magazine.
Our Assessment: This WWII Union Switch & Signal M1911A1 was manufactured in 1943 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic pistol. Produced by Union Switch & Signal under U.S. government contract, US&S was one of the rarest World War II 1911A1 producers, manufacturing a comparatively small number of pistols during its brief contract period. Originally finished in DuLite blue, this example was arsenal refurbished and now wears a parkerized finish, consistent with common post-production service updates. A few spots of cold blue are present.
Chambered in .45 ACP with a 5 inch barrel, this pistol retains the classic wartime M1911A1 configuration. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5 out of 10, indicating strong internal condition. The action functions correctly. All of the parts are correct for this pistol. Included is one 7 round magazine marked M.S. Little Mfg. Co., a wartime subcontractor that supplied magazines during World War II production.
This pistol retains approximately 97 percent of its current metal finish, presenting a clean and cohesive appearance following arsenal refurbishment. The grips rate in Very Good condition with typical service wear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition and stands as a desirable example of a 1943 US&S M1911A1 with correct components and period magazine. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -C.R.