I was hoping you could share what you know about this Remington Rand 1911. I have no history on the gun but I am curious about its rating and approximate value. Is the white infill typical. It looks to be I very good shape and doesn’t appear to be refinished. I haven’t taken it apart yet but it likely has the HS barrel. All other marks appear to be correct. Appreciate your insight!
Remington Rand 1911
- Thread starter Bfishj
- Start date
Jim Watson
New member
A 1944 Remington Rand. Like RickB, I can't say if everything is correct and original but it looks good.
White paint in the roll marks is NOT GI.
White paint in the roll marks is NOT GI.
Looks right, some regular wear, very good example of the era.
the white marking was added by some previous owner. It could be paint, or it might be a wax.
Best way to judge current value is looking at the sale and auction sites and seeing what they sell for. Not what is asked, but what they sell for...
Everything WWII related jumped in price with the 50th anniversary, and has jumped again after hit movies like Saving Private Ryan, etc.
I paid $300 for mine, back in the 80s, last time I looked, (many years ago) people were asking $800 for prime examples. No idea the going rate today, sorry.
the white marking was added by some previous owner. It could be paint, or it might be a wax.
Best way to judge current value is looking at the sale and auction sites and seeing what they sell for. Not what is asked, but what they sell for...
Everything WWII related jumped in price with the 50th anniversary, and has jumped again after hit movies like Saving Private Ryan, etc.
I paid $300 for mine, back in the 80s, last time I looked, (many years ago) people were asking $800 for prime examples. No idea the going rate today, sorry.
highpower3006
New member
Your 1911A1 was made in 1944. I would have to be able to look at it in person to know for sure, but I think it may have been refinished. When they were first produced the serial number was stamped after the finish was applied. As such, the serial number digits will show burnishing in the bottom of the numbers. The ordnance stamp to the rear of the grips on the RH side should be shiny if it still has the original finish. Very seldom will all the small parts have the exact same color and texture finish as the frame and slide.
Un-refinished 1944 Remington-Rand serial numbers. Notice how dark the base of the serial of the numbers are.
Original Ithaca from 1943:
Un-refinished 1944 Remington-Rand serial numbers. Notice how dark the base of the serial of the numbers are.
Original Ithaca from 1943:
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Beautiful WWll 1911.
I have a Remington Rand with serial number 1589xxx that's in similar condition. I haven't heard the darker serial number item before for an original finish gun. The serial number on mine looks identical to yours in condition and on close inspection, the ordnance stamp does appear slightly "shiny". I paid $850 for mine in '99, from a dealer here in KY...not a steal by any means but considering its condition, I bought it.
All of that said, I don't see any dings or other signs of extended usage on yours. If these are present but appear to be filled clear to the bottom with parkerizing, you can assume a refinish has been done. I don't see any dings on your pistol whatsoever. I do agree that the white highlight was done by a previous owner (your Dad possibly) and is easily removable, if wanted. The minimal wear on the barrel chamber, trigger and no wear visible on the grip safety indicate to me that it seen minimal usage.
I'm a shooter, not a collector and mine gets a range day from time to time. It's got tight lockup and a fine HS bbl. that will confidently put all 7 into 2" @ 25 yds, with 200 gr. target grade LSWC's from a solid rest. Too, I especially like the shorter trigger on mine...it just fits me better than the longer ones. While some may complain that the sights are too small when compared with modern 1911's, I find them entirely useful for the gun's intended use, and don't hang up on a holster when drawing. High target sights were not needed in the slit trenches and bunkers of my misspent youth in Vietnam.
Best of luck with yours, and DON'T EVER SELL IT! I'd be interested in range results if and when you shoot it.
Rod
I have a Remington Rand with serial number 1589xxx that's in similar condition. I haven't heard the darker serial number item before for an original finish gun. The serial number on mine looks identical to yours in condition and on close inspection, the ordnance stamp does appear slightly "shiny". I paid $850 for mine in '99, from a dealer here in KY...not a steal by any means but considering its condition, I bought it.
All of that said, I don't see any dings or other signs of extended usage on yours. If these are present but appear to be filled clear to the bottom with parkerizing, you can assume a refinish has been done. I don't see any dings on your pistol whatsoever. I do agree that the white highlight was done by a previous owner (your Dad possibly) and is easily removable, if wanted. The minimal wear on the barrel chamber, trigger and no wear visible on the grip safety indicate to me that it seen minimal usage.
I'm a shooter, not a collector and mine gets a range day from time to time. It's got tight lockup and a fine HS bbl. that will confidently put all 7 into 2" @ 25 yds, with 200 gr. target grade LSWC's from a solid rest. Too, I especially like the shorter trigger on mine...it just fits me better than the longer ones. While some may complain that the sights are too small when compared with modern 1911's, I find them entirely useful for the gun's intended use, and don't hang up on a holster when drawing. High target sights were not needed in the slit trenches and bunkers of my misspent youth in Vietnam.
Best of luck with yours, and DON'T EVER SELL IT! I'd be interested in range results if and when you shoot it.
Rod
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Thanks for your time in Nam! I feel guilty. Volunteered for the Navy...24 years of it from 1974-1998, most as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, and never saw action.
Right before I signed up, a few guys came back to my home town from Vietnam. They had a lot to say about hordes of rats for one thing.
FunGramps, God bless ALL CORPSMAN! Our corpsman/medic at An Loc Special Forces Camp in lll Corp gave one of our grunts the 28 shot, Rabies series after a rat bite in the command bunker. The recipient commented that he'd risk rabies rather than do it again! And thanks for your service...Best Regards, Rod
highpower3006
New member
That's a great way to turn a $2000 gun into a $1000 gun by spending another grand.
Thanks, and the same back at you brother!
