1785

Scarce WWII Union Switch & Signal Co., U.S. Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,400.00 USD Estimated At:2,750.00 - 4,250.00 USD
Scarce WWII Union Switch & Signal Co., U.S. Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol
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This is a scarce example of a U.S. contract Model 1911A1 semi-automatic pistol that was manufactured by the Union Switch & Signal Co. (US&S) of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, in 1943. The US&S Co. manufactured 55,000 Model 1911A1 pistols between January and November 1943. This "Type III" pistol has the distinctive US&S blue stamped trigger and Du-Lite slide and receiver. The feed ramp is polished bright. The Keyes Fibre Co. grips are the early pattern checkered brown plastic with no reinforcing rings around the screw holes and interior strengthening ribs and mold marks. In addition to the stamped trigger, the pistol has a narrow spur hammer with coarse knurling checkered mainspring housing and checkered safety lock and slide stop. The front of the barrel bushing has the round milling marks found on some US&S pistols. The barrel has the "HS" (High Standard) marking on the right side of lug and a "P" proof mark on the left side. The right side of the receiver is stamped UNITED STATES PROPERTY/No 1086844" behind the slide stop hole and "M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY" ahead of it. The left side of the receiver is stamped with distinctive Ordnance final inspection mark consisting of the initials "R.C.D." (LT. COL Robert C. Downie) enclosed in a circle. A small "P" proof mark is stamped behind and below the magazine release. An identically sized "P" proof mark is stamped on the top of the slide ahead of the rear sight facing the right. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with the "USS" monogram followed by "U. S. & S. Co./SWISSVALE , PA U.S.A." in two lines. The slide is correctly not serial numbered and the right side of the receiver is not stamped with the Ordnance Corps escutcheon found on Colt, Ithaca and Remington Rand Model 1911A1 automatic pistols. The pistol is complete with a full-blue WWII production magazine manufactured by the Schovill Mfg. Co., and stamped with an "S" on the top of the floor plate.
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: Du-Lite
Grips: brown plastic checkered
Serial Number: 1086844
Condition: Excellent. The pistol retains 85% plus of the original Du-Lite finish. The finish on the grip strap is thinning and there is some minor edge wear on the front of the slide and on the receiver high points. The trigger retains traces of the original blue finish but has developed a dark patina. The barrel is correct for this pistol but has a dull black-green finish. The grips and screws are both in excellent condition with minimal wear. The magazine retains 97% of the original blue finish. The markings on the receiver and slide are crisp. Bright metal is visible in the "P" proof marks on the slide and receiver and in the "R.C.D." final inspection mark. This is a correct original example of a scarce and very desirable WWII US& S Model 1911A1 semi-automatic pistol.