WWII US Ithaca Gun Co. 1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,976.00
LSB#: LSB260217BC003
Make: Ithaca Gun Co.
Model: 1911A1
Serial Number: 1240294
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 “ITHACA GUN CO. INC. / ITHACA. N.Y.”. The left of the frame below the magazine release is marked with a “P” acceptance proof. The left side of the frame below the slide stop is marked “FJA”. The left side of the trigger guard has the unique Ithaca stamp. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 1240294”, “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 “R”. On top of the slide, just forward of the rear sight it is marked “P”.
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 Keyes Fibre, with reinforced rings and strengthening ribs. The grips have minimal handling wear with only a few very minor blemishes. The checkering is well defined. There is little to no tooling on the grip screws. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Arsenal refurbished slide, original frame
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 very light handling and operational marks. There is light edge wear and a faint “Idiot Scratch” from the slide stop. 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 Risdon Mfg. Co. magazine.
Our Assessment: This WWII U.S. Ithaca Gun Co. M1911A1 was manufactured in 1943 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic pistol. Produced by Ithaca Gun Company under U.S. government contract, Ithaca was one of the primary wartime producers of the M1911A1 alongside Remington Rand and others. Originally known for shotguns, Ithaca adapted its manufacturing capabilities to produce service pistols during World War II. This example features an arsenal refurbished slide paired with its original frame, reflecting typical post-service maintenance and reissue practices.
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 parts are correct for this pistol. Included is one 7 round magazine marked by Risdon Mfg. Co., a known WWII subcontractor supplying magazines during the war.
This pistol retains approximately 97 percent of its current metal finish, presenting a clean and cohesive appearance following arsenal refurbishment. The grips rate in Fine Plus condition with little visible wear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition and stands as a solid example of a 1943 Ithaca 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.