Remington Rand 1911a1 Markings Extra Quality | Plus ✓ |

Identifying the markings on a Remington Rand M1911A1 is essential for collectors, as this company produced more of these pistols during WWII than any other manufacturer—over 1 million units between 1942 and 1945. Key Frame Markings

The frame holds the primary identification and proof marks that distinguish a Remington Rand from other wartime makers like Colt or Ithaca:

The Remington Rand M1911A1 is a premier collector's item because the company, originally a typewriter manufacturer, produced more of these pistols (approx. 877,715) than any other wartime contractor. Its markings are the primary way to verify authenticity and determine the "Type" variation. 1. Slide Markings (The Three Types)

The left side of the slide contains the most recognizable manufacturer roll marks, which evolved through three distinct phases:

Type 1: Features a large logo with "REMINGTON RAND INC." over "SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.". These were typically finished in Du-Lite blue.

Type 2: The logo size remained similar, but "New York" was abbreviated to "N.Y.".

Type 3: Features a significantly smaller, more compact logo, typically found on later parkerized models.

Replacement Slides: Beware of slides marked with drawing numbers like 7790314 or the name Drake; these are post-WWII replacements. 2. Frame Markings & Proofs

Authentic Remington Rand frames follow strict military patterns: A Pilot's Best Friend: WWII Remington Rand M1911A1

Remington Rand M1911A1 was the most-produced variant of the iconic service pistol during World War II, with over 877,000 units manufactured in Syracuse, NY, between 1942 and 1945

. Because production evolved rapidly, markings are categorized into three primary "types" based on slide logos and frame details. 1. Primary Slide Markings

The left side of the slide contains the manufacturer name and location. These evolved through three distinct variations: Type 1 (Early 1943):

Features a large logo with "REMINGTON RAND INC." over "SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A." centered on the slide. Type 2 (Mid-1943):

The logo was slightly compressed and moved toward the muzzle to clear the slide notch. "NEW YORK" was abbreviated to "N.Y.". Type 3 (1944–1945):

The most common marking, featuring smaller text: "REMINGTON RAND INC." over "SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.". 2. Frame and Receiver Markings

Standard military acceptance and ownership marks are found on the frame: United States Property:

Stamped on the right side of the frame above the serial number. Serial Number Prefix: Remington Rand serial numbers are uniquely preceded by (with no line under the 'o') or

(early production), which helps distinguish them from Colt ("No."). M1911A1 U.S. ARMY: Stamped on the right side toward the front of the frame. Inspector Mark:

The left side of the frame (near the magazine release) typically bears the

mark, signifying Frank J. Atwood, the Rochester Ordnance District inspector. Ordnance Wheel:

A "crossed cannons" cartouche is usually found on the right rear of the frame behind the grip. 3. Proof and Parts Markings Proof "P":

A small "P" proof mark is typically found on the top of the slide (in front of the rear sight) and on the left side of the frame near the magazine release. Barrel Markings:

Original Remington Rand barrels were often subcontracted. Look for (High Standard) or on the lug. Rebuild Marks:

Pistols that saw post-war service may have arsenal stamps like (Anniston Army Depot) or (Benicia Arsenal) on the frame. 4. Serial Number Ranges (Approximate) Serial Number Range Production Year 916,405 – 955,000 955,001 – 1,015,000 1,015,001 – 2,445,290 1944 – 1945 assigned to Remington Rand? M1911A1: America's Definitive World War Two Pistol 12 Jun 2024 —

Remington Rand was the largest producer of the M1911A1 during WWII, manufacturing approximately 1,086,624 pistols between 1943 and 1945. Key markings evolved over three distinct production phases, primarily distinguished by the slide logo and specific inspector initials. 1. Slide Markings (The Three Types)

The left side of the slide is the most critical area for identifying the production era:

Type 1 (Early 1943): Marked "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A." in large letters. These are the rarest and were typically finished in a Du-Lite blue.

Type 2 (Mid 1943): Similar to Type 1, but "New York" was abbreviated to "N.Y.". This change occurred around serial number 925,000.

Type 3 (Late 1943–1945): The address was shortened to "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y." in smaller lettering. This is the most common variation. 2. Frame & Inspector Markings

Standard military markings are found on the right side of the frame:

Property Stamp: "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" located above the serial number.

Model Stamp: "M1911A1 U.S. ARMY" located forward of the slide stop pin.

Inspector Initial: Most Remington Rand frames feature the "FJA" mark on the left side (near the magazine release), representing Lt. Col. Frank J. Atwood.

Ordnance Stamp: A "Crossed Cannons" cartouche is usually found on the right rear of the frame. remington rand 1911a1 markings

Proof Mark: A small "P" is typically located on the top of the slide (in front of the rear sight) and on the left side of the frame near the magazine release. 3. Serial Number Identification Remington Rand 1911A1 Evolution Not all are created equal.

Remington Rand produced the largest number of 1911A1 pistols during WWII, and their markings evolved across three distinct production phases. Slide Markings (Three Main Types)

The left side of the slide is the primary way to date a Remington Rand:

Type 1 (Early 1943): Features a large, approximately 2-inch logo: "REMINGTON RAND INC. SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A."

Type 2 (Mid 1943): The same text but in a smaller, roughly 1.5-inch logo.

Type 3 (Late 1943–1945): The most common variety; text is slightly more compact, and "REMINGTON RAND INC." is on the top line with "SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A." on the bottom. Frame & Property Markings

Serial Number Prefix: Unique to Remington Rand, the serial number is preceded by "NO." (capital "O") instead of the "No." found on Colts.

Inspector Mark: Look for "FJA" (for Col. Frank J. Atwood) stamped on the left side of the frame near the magazine release.

United States Property: Stamped on the right side of the frame above the serial number.

Ordnance Mark: A "crossed cannons" wheel is typically stamped on the right side of the frame behind the grip.

P Proof Mark: Usually found on both the top of the slide (ahead of the rear sight) and the left side of the frame. Barrel & Parts Indicators

HS Marking: Most original Remington Rands used barrels made by High Standard, marked with "HS" on one side of the lug and "P" on the other.

Keyes Grips: Correct grips are typically brown plastic with a "K" inside a star or circle on the interior, made by the Keyes Fibre Company.

Finish: Original wartime Remington Rands have a distinctive gray-green or dark gray Parkerized finish; early models (Type 1) occasionally featured a Du-Lite blue finish.

🎯 Key Tip: Many 1911A1s were "re-arsenaled" after the war. If you see stamps like "SA" (Springfield Armory) or "RIA" (Rock Island Arsenal), it indicates the gun was rebuilt with potentially mixed parts.

Do you have a serial number you'd like to check for a specific production year? Remington Rand 1911A1 Evolution Not all are created equal.

The Remington Rand 1911A1: A Legendary Pistol with Distinctive Markings

The Remington Rand 1911A1 is a iconic semi-automatic pistol that has been a favorite among firearms enthusiasts for decades. Produced during World War II, this pistol is a variant of the legendary 1911 design, which has been widely used by military and civilian shooters alike. One of the most interesting aspects of the Remington Rand 1911A1 is its unique markings, which provide a glimpse into the pistol's history and production.

History of the Remington Rand 1911A1

In 1941, the U.S. government contracted Remington Rand, a leading manufacturer of typewriters and other machinery, to produce the M1911A1 pistol. At the time, the demand for pistols was high, and Remington Rand was one of several manufacturers tasked with producing the iconic 1911 design. The company's engineers worked closely with the U.S. military to ensure that their version of the pistol met the exacting standards of the M1911A1.

Between 1942 and 1945, Remington Rand produced over 84,000 M1911A1 pistols, which were marked with distinctive codes and stamps. These markings not only identified the pistol as a Remington Rand product but also provided valuable information about the pistol's production and testing.

Remington Rand 1911A1 Markings

The Remington Rand 1911A1 features several distinctive markings that are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Some of the most notable markings include:

Decoding Remington Rand 1911A1 Markings

For collectors and enthusiasts, deciphering the markings on the Remington Rand 1911A1 can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. Here are a few examples of the markings you might find on a Remington Rand 1911A1:

Collecting Remington Rand 1911A1 Pistols

The Remington Rand 1911A1 is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts due to its historical significance and unique markings. When collecting Remington Rand 1911A1 pistols, it's essential to look for the following:

Conclusion

The Remington Rand 1911A1 is a legendary pistol with a rich history and distinctive markings. For collectors and enthusiasts, understanding the markings on this pistol can provide a deeper appreciation for its significance and value. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting to explore the world of firearms, the Remington Rand 1911A1 is an iconic pistol that's sure to impress.

Additional Resources

If you're interested in learning more about the Remington Rand 1911A1 and its markings, here are a few additional resources to check out:

Remington Rand 1911A1 markings

He tightened his grip on the weight of it—no longer a puzzle in the way it had been when he bought it at the estate sale, but a ledger of someone else’s life folded into metal. The blued slide bore the clean, blocky Remington Rand stamp on the left side, three crisp words drilled into the history of a wartime factory: REMINGTON RAND. Below it, faint and precise, the U.S. property eagle and “U.S.” were impressed into the receiver—two letters that demanded the rest of the story: government issue, carried in a uniform pocket or strapped to a thigh under a foreign sky. Identifying the markings on a Remington Rand M1911A1

On the right side of the slide, the serial number sat like a badge of identity. It matched the rounded digits on the frame, the same inked code the armorer had logged before they shipped the pistol out. Between the grips, the maker’s cartouche was soft from decades of handling: a shallow R with a longer tail, nearly erased where someone had often set their thumb. Near the ejection port a small arsenal stamp—an inspector’s mark—glinted where the steel took the light differently, an artisan’s signature confirming the pistol met the rigid standards of inspection.

He traced the slide serrations with a fingertip. Notches were crisp, designed for quick racking in a way the polished, utilitarian finish made obvious. The barrel hood was stamped with the date—a two-digit month and year—neatly aligned with the chamber as if it whispered exactly when it had been born into service. Under the grips, hidden from casual view, was a tiny proof mark and the letter of the inspector who had signed off: the invisible witnesses of a thousand routines of disassembly and oiling.

The grips themselves were checkered walnut, nicked in places where a soldier had steadied his aim in a foxhole or cleaned the bore under a shaky lantern. A faint scar across one panel matched a notch on the frame—repair work carried out with patient hands in a maintenance tent. On the left front strap, beneath the trigger guard, someone had filed a shallow groove to steady a gloved thumb; it wasn’t factory work, but it had been done by someone who’d really used it.

He imagined a name stamped into the margins of memory: Private Ellis, or Corporal Ruiz—names that fit into the margins of those alphanumeric stamps. In his mind’s eye the pistol moved through time: crated in 1943, stacked with others on a humid troop ship, pulled across a rocky beach under a gray sky. It was there, in a narrow alley or an airfield kiosk, that the grips acquired the first deep chip. It was there a sergeant had tucked a wooden splinter into a cracked grip to hold it steady for one more patrol. Back at base the armorer had made the tiny repair noted by the proof mark; the inspector’s stamp recorded that it was fit for duty.

He imagined the pistol’s calmer years too—returned stateside, issued to a small-town sheriff for county paperwork and long afternoons behind a wooden desk. The Remington Rand stamp grew less like a factory name and more like a label of provenance, the echo of a period when companies like that turned out the tools of history.

He set the pistol on the table and lifted the slide slowly. The extractor snapped like a memory catching into place. Inside the barrel, faint rifling turns were visible, the spiraled reminder that every bullet had been guided on its way by a precise cut someone long ago finished by hand and machine. On the mainspring housing, a small worn spot showed where a holster had rested; its leather had softened the metal to a dull pewter.

A folded photograph slid from between the grips, thin and yellowed. On it, a man in uniform—hat brim low—smiled with a cigarette-not quite proud, not quite at ease—next to a jeep with muddy tires. The writing on the back read: “To Mary, keep this till I’m back. R.” The name matched the faint cartouche on the frame, the single letter an echo across decades.

He felt a small, sudden kinship with the ghost of R. It wasn’t romance; it was the respect one feels when a stranger leaves behind a thing that carried them through something that mattered. He photographed the markings: REMINGTON RAND, the U.S. property stamp, serial numbers aligned, inspector’s letters, the date on the barrel. He logged them into a forum of collectors who would nod at the combination of stamps and know the factory batch, the inspector’s quirks, the likely year of shipment.

When the sun sank low and the workshop lights hummed, he reassembled the pistol and closed the drawer. The story wrapped itself around the metal—manufacture and service, use and repair, an owner’s quick fix and a lover’s promise tucked behind walnut grips. The Remington Rand marking was no longer just a name; it was the first line of a ledger that he could follow down through decades and across oceans. It claimed the object as witness—a simple, resolute piece of iron that had, in its small way, kept time.

Later that night he set the photograph back with the pistol, closed the lid, and for the first time since it had arrived, he felt like a keeper rather than just an owner.

The Remington Rand M1911A1 was produced in higher quantities (877,751 units) than any other manufacturer during World War II, including Colt. Identifying an authentic Remington Rand involves verifying specific roll marks, inspector stamps, and serial number prefixes that evolved through three primary "types" during production. Slide Markings (The Three Variations)

Remington Rand used three distinct slide legends between 1943 and 1945:

Type 1 (Nov 1942 – May 1943): Features a large logo with "REMINGTON RAND INC." over "SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.".

Type 2 (May 1943 – Oct 1943): The logo size was reduced. "NEW YORK" was abbreviated to "N.Y.".

Type 3 (Oct 1943 – End of War): The most common variation. The "REMINGTON RAND INC." text is smaller and centered above "SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.".

Proof Mark: A "P" proof mark is typically found on the top of the slide, centered in front of the rear sight. Frame and Inspector Markings

The frame carries the critical indicators of military acceptance and manufacturer identity:

Remington Rand M1911A1 pistol (Colt type) - Imperial War Museums

A Comprehensive Guide to Remington Rand 1911A1 Markings

The Remington Rand 1911A1 is a semi-automatic pistol that was produced during World War II, and it has become a highly sought-after collector's item among firearms enthusiasts. One of the key factors that determine the value and authenticity of a Remington Rand 1911A1 is the markings found on the gun. In this guide, we will provide an in-depth look at the various markings that can be found on a Remington Rand 1911A1, and what they can tell us about the gun's history and provenance.

Overview of Remington Rand 1911A1 Production

The Remington Rand 1911A1 was produced from 1941 to 1945, with a total of approximately 84,000 guns manufactured. The pistol was produced under a government contract, and it was intended to help meet the demand for sidearms during World War II. Remington Rand was one of several companies that produced the 1911A1 during the war, and their guns are highly regarded for their quality and accuracy.

Types of Markings Found on Remington Rand 1911A1

There are several types of markings that can be found on a Remington Rand 1911A1, including:

Detailed Guide to Remington Rand 1911A1 Markings

The following is a detailed guide to the markings found on a Remington Rand 1911A1:

Variations in Markings

There are several variations in markings that can be found on Remington Rand 1911A1 guns. Some of these variations include:

Authenticating a Remington Rand 1911A1

Authenticating a Remington Rand 1911A1 requires a careful examination of the markings found on the gun. Here are some tips for determining the authenticity of a Remington Rand 1911A1:

Conclusion

The Remington Rand 1911A1 is a highly collectible pistol, and its markings play a crucial role in determining its value and authenticity. By understanding the various markings found on the gun, collectors can better appreciate the history and provenance of their Remington Rand 1911A1. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the markings found on a Remington Rand 1911A1, and it serves as a valuable resource for collectors and enthusiasts.

Identifying a wartime Remington Rand 1911A1 requires a keen eye for its distinct production markings. As the largest manufacturer of M1911A1 pistols during World War II—producing nearly 959,000 units between 1943 and 1945—Remington Rand evolved its stamping processes to prioritize speed and cost-efficiency. 1. Slide Marking Variations Remington Rand Logo : The Remington Rand logo,

Collectors categorize Remington Rand slides into three "Types" based on the roll marks found on the left side:

Type 1 (Early 1942–Early 1943): Features a large logo. The text "REMINGTON RAND INC." is on the top line, with "SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A." on the second line. These early models often had a Du-Lite blue finish before the transition to Parkerizing.

(Early 1943–Mid 1943): The logo was reduced in size. The text remains the same as Type 1 but occupies a smaller footprint on the slide.

Type 3 (Mid 1943–1945): The most common variant. The manufacturer's name and address are still present, but the spacing and font size are refined for high-volume production.

Collector Tip: A slide marked with "7790314" is not a wartime Remington Rand original; it is a replacement slide made post-WWII by contractors like Colt or SanColMar. 2. Receiver and Frame Markings

The frame contains the most critical information for verifying authenticity: Remington 1911 A1 - Original WW II issue.

Remington Rand was the largest producer of M1911A1 pistols during WWII, delivering approximately 877,715 units between 1942 and 1945. Identifying an authentic Remington Rand involves examining specific slide variations, frame proofs, and serial number formats. Slide Marking Variations

Remington Rand slides are categorized into three "Types" based on the logo and address formatting:

Type 1 (Early 1943): Features a large logo with the address spelled out as "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, NEW YORK".

Type 2 (Mid 1943): Similar large logo, but the address is abbreviated to "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y.".

Type 3 (Late 1943–1945): The most common variation. Features a smaller logo with the abbreviated "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A." address. Frame & Receiver Markings

Remington Rand was the largest producer of the licensed M1911A1 pistol during World War II, manufacturing approximately 958,764 units between 1943 and 1945. These pistols are distinguished by specific slide and frame markings that evolved across three primary production types. Slide Markings

The left side of the slide contains the primary manufacturer identification, which changed over time.

Type 1 (Early 1943): Marked "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A." in a block of text.

Type 2 (Mid 1943): Similar to Type 1 but "SYRACUSE" and "N.Y." are separated by more space, and the logo size is slightly adjusted.

Type 3 (Late 1943–1945): A smaller, more compact logo reading "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.". Frame Markings

The frame contains the serial number and various government inspection and proof marks.

Manufacturer Prefix: Remington Rand serial numbers are uniquely preceded by a "NO" (with the 'O' slightly smaller or raised).

Inspection Mark (FJA): Located on the left side of the frame near the magazine release, these initials stand for Frank J. Atwood, the Lieutenant Colonel who oversaw the Rochester Ordnance District.

Proof Marks: A small "P" proof mark is typically found near the magazine release on the frame and on the top of the slide.

Ordnance Stamp: A faint "crossed cannons" ordnance acceptance stamp is usually present on the rear right side of the frame.

Property Mark: The right side of the frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and "M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY". Serial Number Ranges

This is a collector-focused reference report on the markings found on Remington Rand 1911A1 pistols manufactured during World War II. Remington Rand (typewriter company) was one of the primary contractors for the M1911A1, producing approximately 877,000 pistols between 1942 and 1945.

2. Right Side of Slide (Ordnance mark)

Ordnance “Eagle’s Head” Stamp

An eagle’s head with an S (or other number) appears on various small parts (safety lock, slide stop, magazine catch). This is the Ordnance inspector’s mark for parts acceptance.

Missing eagle heads don’t automatically mean fake—many parts were mixed during arsenal services—but all-matching eagle heads increase collector value significantly.

The "FJA" Mark

As noted, Frank J. Atwood’s initials are the final acceptance mark. However, note that on very early pistols (serial 856,001 – 860,000), the FJA mark is missing. The inspection was done by a Major R.S. Edwards. Those pistols have a R.S.E. mark instead. An FJA-marked pistol is standard; an R.S.E. marked pistol is a rarity worth a premium.

Common Reproduction & Fraud Warnings

Fake Remington Rand markings fall into two categories:

  1. Completely fictitious roll stamps on new slides.
  2. Laser-engraved “clone” markings on original US&S or Ithaca slides.

Red flags include:

Part VIII: How to Photograph Markings for Authentication

If you're selling or submitting for a collector’s forum, photograph these specific areas:

  1. Left side of slide (full view for address block).
  2. Right side of slide (patent dates).
  3. Left side of frame (FJA/RCD stamp and US PROPERTY mark).
  4. Left front trigger guard (Proof P).
  5. Left rear trigger guard (Eagle’s head).
  6. Serial number (right rear frame).
  7. Top of barrel (through the ejection port).
  8. Back of both grip panels (R stamp).

Use oblique (side) lighting and a macro lens. Stamps should look stamped (displaced metal) not laser-etched (flat/smooth).

Type 3 (Late Production – "The Standard GI Mark")

Serial Number Ranges: Your Pistol’s Birth Certificate

Remington Rand produced approximately 877,000 M1911A1s from early 1943 to late 1945. Serial numbers are on the right side of the frame, above the trigger guard.

Pro tip: If your serial number falls outside 1,840,000–2,450,000, it may be a commercial model or a mixmaster—proceed with caution.

Subcontracted slides (correct for all-original Remington Rand pistols):

Collector note: Remington Rand using Colt slides is factory correct for certain serial ranges (especially mid-1943 to early 1944). Value is not necessarily reduced if correct for the period.

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