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Extremely Rare Singer Manufacturing Company Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:13,000.00 USD Estimated At:32,500.00 - 45,000.00 USD
Extremely Rare Singer Manufacturing Company Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol
This is a fine example of an extremely rare and desirable WWII production Model 1911A1 pistol manufactured by the Singer Manufacturing Company. Working on Educational Order W-ORD-396, issued 17 April 1940, the Singer Manufacturing Company, best known for their sewing machines, produced a limited run of 500 1911A1 pistols. Though the pistols met the inspector's requirements and were accepted by the Army, no additional contracts were issued to Singer, making this the shortest production run out of any of the 1911 suppliers in American military history. Reports state that these pistols were used to arm members of the Army Air Corps. The overall configuration is government standard, with a distinctive Dulite high polish blue finish on the components. Maker's markings consist of "S. MFG.CO./ ELIZABETH, N.J., U.S.A." in two lines on the left side of the slide just ahead of the serrations, with a reverse "P" proofmark in front of the rear sight. The right side of the slide is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY" around the slide stop hole and over the serial number, and the left side bears the "JKC" initials of Army Inspector of Ordnance Col. John K. Clement just below the slide stop cut-out, with a single "P" proofmark is stamped above the magazine release. Grips are the proper early pattern Keyes Fiber, made without reinforcing ribs or rings. Equipped with a milled checkered short trigger, checkered slide catch, thumb safety and wide hammer, long grip safety and checkered arched mainspring housing with lanyard ring. The barrel has a polished blue finish and is stamped with a gothic "P" proofmark on the left side of the lug and still retains the bright polished feed ramp. The magazine is finished to match the pistol, with two pin floor plate. As noted this pistol is an exceptionally rare Model 1911A1 Singer pistol and is the most desirable Model 1911A1 pistol.
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: brown plastic checkered
Serial Number: S800159
Condition: Very good, showing 85% of the original high polish deep blue finish, with a brown patina showing on the grip straps, scattered spotting and mild handling marks overall. The serial number appears to be a factory double strike, which is known to have occurred on some Singer pistols seen on the market. Grips are very good, with a few small pressure dents. Mechanically excellent. Due to the extreme brevity of Singer's tenure as an arms maker, the pistols Singer produced were produced virtually by hand and individually fitted with an eye for detail and appearance. The end result was not only some of the most attractive U.S. government issue pistols ever made, but also some of the most scarce, representing the pinnacle of U.S. 1911/ 1911A1 collecting.