This Remington Rand M1911A1 is an authentic World War II U.S. Army service pistol manufactured in 1943, chambered in .45 ACP. Serial number 953218 places this pistol in the early Remington Rand production run of 1943 (range 916405–1041404). It is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY / M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY" on the frame — a designation reserved exclusively for military-issued firearms.
This pistol is a distinguished part of the private collection of HRH Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, son of the last King of Italy, Umberto II. An authentic Certificate of Ownership accompanies this piece.
Historical Significance
Remington Rand, originally a typewriter and office equipment manufacturer based in Syracuse, New York, became the single largest producer of M1911A1 pistols during World War II, manufacturing approximately 877,751 units between 1943 and 1945. The company's precision manufacturing expertise from its business machine production translated remarkably well to firearms production, resulting in pistols known for their quality and tight tolerances.
This particular example bears the early slide legend "REMINGTON RAND INC / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A." and retains its original Du-Lite Parkerized finish — features that distinguish it as an early 1943 production piece, highly sought after by collectors.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Remington Rand Inc., Syracuse, N.Y., U.S.A.
- Model: M1911A1
- Year: 1943
- Serial Number: 953218
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Action: Semi-automatic, single-action, short recoil operated
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
- Barrel Length: 127 mm (5")
- Overall Length: 216 mm (8.5")
- Weight: 1.13 kg (unloaded)
- Sights: Fixed blade front, notch rear
- Finish: Original Du-Lite Parkerized
- Grips: Brown checkered Keyes Fibre (correct for 1943 production)
Markings
- Frame left side: "UNITED STATES PROPERTY / M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY / No 953218"
- Slide right side: "REMINGTON RAND INC / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A."
- Correct ordnance markings and inspection stamps visible
Condition
Good to Very Good overall condition. Original Du-Lite Parkerized finish with moderate holster wear and handling marks consistent with a WWII service pistol. Brown Keyes Fibre grips intact with no visible cracks. All external controls present and functional. A genuine wartime pistol showing honest service wear.
What's Included
- 1x Remington Rand M1911A1 .45 ACP pistol (S/N 953218, 1943)
- 1x US leather holster marked "US" (M1916 type, dated 1917)
- 1x US web pistol belt (M1936 type, OD canvas)
- 1x Canvas double magazine pouch
- Certificate of Ownership — V.E. de Savoie Collection
