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.
The Remington Rand 1911A1 is a variant of the M1911 pistol that was produced during World War II. Here are some common markings found on a Remington Rand 1911A1: remington rand 1911a1 markings
Here are some specific markings that may be found on a Remington Rand 1911A1:
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 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 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. Remington Rand was the largest producer of the
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
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. Remington Rand Logo : The Remington Rand logo,
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.
Many small parts (safety locks, slide stops, magazine catches) were made by outside firms. Look for a small letter inside a circle:
REMINGTON RAND INC.SYRACUSE, N.Y.U.S. PROPERTYU.S. PROPERTY is often slightly smaller font and centered below the Syracuse line.On the left side of the frame, just behind the trigger guard, you will find the U.S. Ordnance Department acceptance mark. It is an eagle's head with a "S" (for Springfield inspector) or a "crossed cannons" escutcheon.
FJA stamped in a box on the left side of the frame near the magazine release. He was the chief Ordnance inspector for Remington Rand from 1942 to 1945.