Aquired another 1911

[J.R.W.]

Havn't had much time to post here as of late, but I thought some here might offer some insight. My grandfather, who's health is rapidly failing gave me his 1911 and an old Savage shotgun.

The best I can tell, the 1911 is a "lend-lease" gun. It was given to him by his father in law as a wedding gift sometime around 1953.

There are a good few markings on the gun, some faint proof marks but the main ones are:

Frame:
Springfield Armory crest
United States Property No. 15781XX M1911 A1 U.S. Army

There is also a rather small stamp below the serial number that says "NOT ENGLISH MAKE"

Slide:
(left side)
Remington Rand INC.
Syracuse NY USA
(right side)
RELEASED BRITISH GOVT 1952

I'm just curious as to how common the mis-matched components are and a bit more history on the "lend-lease" guns. I know it cost $39 in 1953 and as long as I've been alive, I'm the only person to have fired it. It shoots dead straight and would call it somewhere between 85-90% if someone cared to put a figure on value. If I can find the camera, I'll grab some photos too.

 

[MADDOG]

Yes post some pictures.

 

[Castrolr1]

Pics or it didn't happen

 

[bang_bang]

I was lucky enough to shoot an all original Remington Rand US GOVT PROPERTY last year. Must say, that was awesome to be shooting such a piece of history. Can't remember the year exactly, but I'm wanting to say 1944. Looked rough, rather brown in color from it's long lost blueing. Functioned 100% through several mags.

 

[kanook]

Sorry to hear on how you got your new 1911. It's the way my wife got her 1913 Colt 1911

 

[J.R.W.]

Well, got a few pics now. Brought it by the local shop too for some info. The serial number makes it a 1943 production, Remington Rand.

 

[AcceptableUserName]

looks great!

 

[Walkalong]

Very, very nice. Treasure it.

 

[J.R.W.]

I'm just curious how rare something like this in this condition is to recieve?

 

[Blind Bat]

Wow, I never realized how small the ejection port was on the original 1911A1.

 

[Oro]

I'm just curious how rare something like this in this condition is to recieve?

If you mean how rare to have one, not terribly. They made millions. Millions.

Looks like it must have gone back into US service after returned. Then it was arsenal-rebuilt to get that finish and stamping on it. Actually, the s/n dates to 1944 from Clawson's book data.

I'm just curious as to how common the mis-matched components are

I don't see any part obviously wrong or mismatched except perhaps the thumb safety, but the photos aren't detailed enough to tell (I'm not a professional appraiser, though). Are you confusing the arsenal marks for manufacturing marks?

It appears that after being returned it was re-done at SA and then not in service again. I am very fuzzy on the fate of the lend-lease guns (the channels they followed to get both out of England and then out of US Gov't. hands). The mark yours has indicates it was pre-1955, and it also should have a stamp on the barrel somewhere, too (may not be visible unless disassembled).