The Remington Rand 1911A1 is a fascinating piece of American wartime history—a typewriter company that became the most prolific manufacturer of sidearms during World War II. Understanding its markings transforms a casual ownership experience into an appreciation of industrial history, quality control systems, and the men and women who built these weapons under immense pressure.
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:
By checking these key areas, collectors can confidently identify a genuine Remington Rand 1911A1 and its approximate date of manufacture during the height of the second World War.
The left side of the frame (near the magazine release) typically bears the
Remington Rand used three distinct left-side slide roll marks during production. Identifying these variants helps verify if the slide matches the serial number block on the frame. remington rand 1911a1 markings
Original, unmessed-with Remington Rand 1911A1 pistols in excellent condition command significant prices. However, several factors affect value:
There are several variations in markings that can be found on the Remington Rand 1911A1. Some of these variations include:
Keep in mind that not all Remington Rand 1911A1 pistols will have all of these markings, and some may have additional markings not listed here. If you're looking to identify a specific pistol, it's a good idea to consult with a firearms expert or collector.
The exact (mask the last two digits for privacy) The number of lines in the slide text The letters stamped on the barrel lug Share public link The Remington Rand 1911A1 is a fascinating piece
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.
Formatted in three lines. This is the most common variant, spanning serial numbers from roughly 1,015,000 to the end of production at 2,465,139. Frame Markings
Common assembler stamps include:
When you have a pistol in hand, follow this systematic approach to identify its markings. Look for: By checking these key areas, collectors
— Beginning around serial number 935,000 and used randomly through approximately 1,016,000, the Type II marking reads: REMINGTON RAND, INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A. The key change was the abbreviation of "New York" to "N.Y." and the addition of "U.S.A." The entire legend measures about 1⅜ inches in length, approximately the length of the slide stop. This type overlapped with late Type I production, as there was no distinct cutoff between the two.
Located on the left side of the frame near the magazine release, these initials represent the head of the Rochester Ordnance District:
Because of this unique corporate history, are some of the most studied, confusing, and counterfeited in the collecting world. Understanding these marks is essential to authenticating a pistol, determining its value, and tracing its service history.
Remington Rand slides featured three distinct logo variations during production. Identifying which type your pistol carries provides important clues about its production period.