April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
Union Switch & Signal was contracted to produce the Model 1911A1 in January of 1943. On June 26th, 1943 the Ordnance Department requested that US&S produce the original order of 25,000 plus an additional 25,000; 55,000 were delivered by November 27th, 1943 with all produced in the same year. While gearing up for production, a number of prototypes were produced to check tolerances and other variables before plunging into full mass production. This is one of those prototypes. If going simply by number this is the 40th example of an experimental model manufactured. Distinctive features on the experimental model include no military inspector stamps since these examples were intended for in-house use only. The only military proofs to be found on this pistol is the proof "P" on top of slide; with note to the lack of military inspector stamps, the firearm is identical to the mass produced models that were issued for military service. They feature the same military dark phosphate finish. Blued barrel was manufactured by Hi-Standard and can be found with the "HS" stamp on lug, along with the "P". All small parts are correct for the US&S model to include checkered spurless hammer, checkered safety, checkered slide stop, checkered arched mainspring housing with loop, short checkered trigger, Keyes star brand brown composite grips. World War II magazine is stamped with "R" at lip for Risdon Tool & Machine Co., variation Type 4E. Left side of slide is stamped "US&S CO SWISSVALE PA U.S.A." and right side of frame stamped "US&S CO NO 40". There is no US Army property stamp, nor is the Model stamp present. CONDITION: As to be expected, gun does not appear to have been fired. Retains virtually all of its original factory military finish with typical takedown line and a few light scattered handling marks. It is believed that less than 100 of these experimentals were manufactured and were presented to dignitaries sometime after the war, all of which is purely speculative. This is the highest number that we are aware of, so if they did make 100, we have neither seen nor heard of any numbers higher than 40. In either case, an extreme World War II rarity, at least five times more rare than the desirable and elusive Singer. It would be nearly impossible to find, let alone in such fine condition; possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of the rarest of all World War II military 1911A1 Models.
Manufacturer
Union Switch & Signal Co.