Remington Rand 1911a1 Markings May 2026

| Feature | Correct Marking | |--------|----------------| | Frame left | REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A. + MODEL 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY | | Frame right | No. 1,234,567 or 1,234,567 | | Slide | Type I, II, or III Remington Rand or Colt/US&S slide (correct range) | | Inspector stamp | FJA (most common) | | Ordnance stamp | Flaming bomb + eagle head S | | Proof mark | P on barrel, frame, slide | | Small parts | R or S marks on hammer, safety, etc. |

If you have a specific serial number range or photo of markings, I can help date and verify authenticity. Would you like a serial number vs. production date chart for Remington Rand 1911A1s?

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.

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.

This guide covers the markings of the Remington Rand M1911A1

, which was the primary producer of these pistols during WWII, manufacturing approximately 1,086,624 units between 1942 and 1945. JustAnswer 1. Slide Markings (Evolutionary Types)

Collectors typically categorize Remington Rand slides into three distinct "Types" based on the roll marks. Type 1 (Early 1942–Early 1943): REMINGTON RAND INC. SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A. Large font, typically with a Du-Lite blue finish Approximately serial numbers 916,405 to 935,000 Type 2 (Early 1943): REMINGTON RAND INC. SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A. Smaller font compared to Type 1. Overlaps with Type 1, starting around serial Type 3 (Late 1943–1945): REMINGTON RAND INC. SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A. Small font, often seen with a Parkerized finish Roughly serial numbers 1,026,948 and above 2. Frame Markings

The frame identifies the manufacturer and the government status of the firearm. Serial Number: Located on the right side of the frame, preceded by

(all caps) rather than "No." (lowercase 'o') which was used by Colt. Property Mark: The left side of the frame is marked UNITED STATES PROPERTY Model Designation: The right side of the frame is marked M1911A1 U.S. ARMY Ordnance Mark:

A small "Ordnance wheel" or "crossed cannons" stamp is typically located on the right side of the frame behind the grip. Sight M1911 3. Inspector & Proof Marks

These stamps verify official military acceptance and quality testing. FJA Stamp:

Located on the left side of the frame near the trigger guard. It stands for Col. Frank J. Atwood

, the Rochester Ordnance District inspector responsible for Remington Rand and Ithaca production. P Proof Mark:

A "P" (proof of firing) is typically found on the top of the slide (between the rear sight and ejection port) and on the left side of the frame near the magazine release.

A small "G" may appear near the magazine release, indicating the frame was part of a government contract. 4. Serial Number Ranges (Remington Rand)

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 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

The story of the Remington Rand M1911A1 is one of the most remarkable industrial achievements of World War II. A company better known for typewriters, business machines, and electric razors, Remington Rand eventually produced 877,751 pistols—more than any other wartime manufacturer, including Colt.

Its markings are the primary "fingerprints" collectors use to trace the history and authenticity of these legendary firearms. The Slide: Identifying the Three Versions

The left side of the slide is where the manufacturer’s mark is located. Because Remington Rand refined their stamping process over time, there are three distinct variations: remington rand 1911a1 markings

Type 1 (Early 1942 - Early 1943): These are the rarest. The marking is approximately 1-inch long and consists of two lines: REMINGTON RAND INC. over SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.

Type 2 (Mid 1943): The address was shortened to roughly 0.9 inches in length.

Type 3 (Late 1943 - 1945): The most common variant. The text is much smaller (about 0.6 inches) and bolder, designed for better legibility and production efficiency. The Frame: Military Proofs and Inspections

The frame contains the "government stamps" that turned a civilian-made tool into a weapon of war.

Property Markings: On the right side of the frame, you will see UNITED STATES PROPERTY and the designation M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY.

FJA Inspector Stamp: Almost every Remington Rand 1911A1 will bear the initials "FJA" on the left side of the frame, just below the slide release. This stands for Frank J. Atwood, the Lieutenant Colonel who supervised the Rochester Ordnance District.

Ordnance Escutcheon: A small circular stamp featuring "crossed cannons" is located on the right side of the frame, near the rear. This was the final acceptance mark from the military.

The "P" Proof: A small P is usually found on the top of the slide (ahead of the rear sight) and on the left side of the frame near the magazine release. This indicates the pistol passed a high-pressure "proof" test. Barrel Markings

Unlike the frame and slide, the barrels were often made by subcontractors. Common markings found on the lug of a Remington Rand barrel include: HS: High Standard (the most frequent supplier). P: A proof mark on the other side of the lug. F: Occasionally, barrels from Flannery Bolt Co. are found. Production and Value

Remington Rand's efficiency was so high that they eventually produced pistols at a lower cost than Colt, despite having no prior experience in firearms. Today, these pistols are highly sought after by collectors, with prices generally ranging from $800 to $4,000 based on the originality of these specific markings and the overall condition.

Are you looking to verify the serial number range or check the authenticity of a specific pistol you've found?

During World War II, the Remington Rand Company—better known for its typewriters—became the most prolific manufacturer of the M1911A1 pistol, producing roughly 958,764 units between 1943 and 1945. Because so many were made across different production "types," understanding their specific markings is essential for collectors to verify originality and historical accuracy. The Three "Types" of Slide Markings

Remington Rand slides are categorized by the size and style of the company logo on the left side of the slide.

Type 1 (Early 1943): These are the rarest and feature the text "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A." in a large, thin-font logo.

Type 2 (Mid 1943): The logo was slightly modified. The address remained the same, but the font became bolder and more compact.

Type 3 (Late 1943 – 1945): This is the most common variant. The logo is noticeably smaller, measuring approximately 1 inch in length, with the same two-line Syracuse address. Essential Frame Markings

The frame (or "receiver") of a genuine Remington Rand will feature several distinct military and manufacturer stamps:

Serial Number Prefix: Unlike Colt, which used a "No" prefix with a small underlined "o," Remington Rand eventually transitioned to using a large "NO" (no underline) for its serial numbers, particularly starting around serial number 955,000.

United States Property: This stamp is located on the right side of the frame, above the serial number.

M1911A1 U.S. ARMY: Stamped on the right side of the frame forward of the slide stop pin.

Inspector Mark (FJA): Almost all Remington Rand frames feature the initials "FJA" on the left side near the magazine release. These stand for Frank J. Atwood, the Rochester Ordnance District inspector responsible for overseeing the factory.

Proof Mark (P): A small "P" proof mark is typically found near the magazine release on the frame and on the top of the slide, often near the rear sight. Barrel and Small Part Markings

Remington Rand did not manufacture their own barrels; they primarily sourced them from subcontractors.

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 | Feature | Correct Marking | |--------|----------------| |

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.

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

A large "P" on the slide and barrel indicates the pistol was proof-fired (loaded with a high-pressure cartridge) at the factory. Look for:

The markings directly dictate value (prices as of 2025 estimate for original, non-refinished pistols):

Note: A pistol with a "Singer" slide on a Remington Rand frame is not a Remington Rand – it's a "parts gun." However, a Remington Rand slide on a Singer frame is a legendary "Frankenstein" that can exceed $20,000.

Understanding Remington Rand 1911A1 markings transforms a rusty old pistol into a historical document. You are not just looking at a gun; you are looking at the largest contribution to the Allied victory by a typewriter company.

When you see the FJA, you see a colonel who rejected millions of rounds of bad ammo. When you see an (G) on the slide stop, you see General Motors pausing tank production to help a competitor. And when you see that crisp REMINGTON RAND rollmark, you see the sidearm that was carried from Normandy to the South Pacific.

Whether you are authenticating a safe queen or a field-grade shooter, always check the serial range first, then the slide rollmark, and finally the small subcontractor stamps. In the world of wartime 1911s, the devil (and the value) is always in the markings.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and historical purposes. Always consult a qualified firearms appraiser or collector’s association (like the Garand Collectors Association) before purchasing a high-value M1911A1.

This is a concise reference for correct, original markings on a WWII-era Remington Rand 1911A1 (produced 1943–1945).

Later Remington Rand frames (1945) often have an extra mark on the left side above the trigger: the word "NOISE". This was an assembly aid indicating that the noise (safety) spring was installed.

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

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