Markings — Remington Rand 1911a1
REMINGTON RAND INC.
SYRACUSE, N.Y.
1911 A1 U.S. ARMY
The most critical "marking" is the serial number, located on the right side of the frame above the trigger guard. Remington Rand produced pistols across three distinct contract periods. Knowing the serial number instantly tells you which contract you are looking at.
Note: There is a gap between 916,406 and 1,696,000—this range was assigned to Ithaca Gun Co.
The most prominent marking on the slide is the Remington Rand manufacturer’s notation. Unlike Colt’s elaborate pony logos, Remington Rand kept it strictly utilitarian.
This "broken" spelling of REMINGTON is a key authentication feature. Fakes often incorrectly spell it as a single continuous word. The spaces were due to the roll stamp die splitting the name to fit the slide’s contour.
The best Remington Rand 1911A1s aren’t the ones with perfect, museum-case markings—they’re the ones with honest wear, correct inspector stamps for their serial range, and the deliberate “REMI NGTO N R AND” slip of the roll die. Study the markings carefully, buy the gun (not the story), and you’ll own a true piece of WWII history.
Collector rating: 9/10 – Only flaw is that the lack of a commercial logo makes them less “flashy” than Colts, but serious collectors know better. A correctly marked Remington Rand is a thing of rugged beauty.
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": remington rand 1911a1 markings
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 —
The story of the Remington Rand M1911A1 is one of a typewriter company that became the most prolific producer of the legendary .45 caliber pistol during World War II. Its markings act as a roadmap for collectors, revealing three distinct production phases and the military's strict oversight. The Three "Types" of Slides
The left side of the slide is the most recognizable area for identification. Remington Rand used three different roll marks as production evolved: Type 1 (Nov 1942 – early 1943):
Features a large logo with "REMINGTON RAND INC." over "SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.". Type 2 (March 1943 – early 1944): The address was shortened; "New York" became "N.Y.". Type 3 (1944 – 1945):
The roll mark was made smaller and moved toward the center of the slide. Frame and Inspection Marks
The frame carries the proof of government acceptance and military ownership: United States Property:
Found on the right side of the frame, above the serial number. FJA Stamp:
Located on the left side near the magazine release, these are the initials of Frank J. Atwood
, the Rochester Ordnance District inspector responsible for Remington Rand production. P Proof Mark:
A single "P" stamped on the top of the slide and the left side of the frame near the magazine release, indicating the pistol passed high-pressure test-firing. Ordnance Wheel:
A "crossed cannons" military cartouche was stamped behind the right-side grip on later models. Identifying Serial Number Peculiarities
Serial numbers are a key differentiator between manufacturers. Remington Rand pistols are identified by: M1911A1: America's Definitive World War Two Pistol
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 INC
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?
When you pick up a Remington Rand 1911A1, you’re not just holding a firearm—you’re holding a piece of wartime industrial history. Unlike the commercial-grade Colt pistols, Remington Rand’s markings tell a story of mass production, government contracts, and the subtle evolution of one of America’s most iconic sidearms.
| Feature | Correct Remington Rand | |--------|----------------------| | Left slide | REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. / U.S. PROPERTY | | Right slide | Flaming bomb only | | Frame left | No. 1xxxxxx | | Frame right | Blank | | Barrel marking | HS or F (not RR) | | Grip safety | Checkered, narrow |
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 The most critical "marking" is the serial number,
(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 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 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
