SOLD - "Ithaca" Model 1911 - North Vietnamese/Viet Cong Copy

Description

6/5/24 - Manufactured by an unknown party, this pistol bears a strong resemblance to known "underground" pistols from the Indochina/Vietnam region. Such weapons were pressed into service for the First Indochina War against the French, and would continue to be used by factions on both sides of the North/South split after the French left. Such weapons are often associated with the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Made mainly by hand in crude workshops, this is a crude, unlicensed copy of the Ithaca 1911A1. The left of the slide is marked "ITHACACUN COINC/ITHACA - NY". The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number and dated "1953", making it likely it was manufactured during the First Indochina War. The thumb and grip safeties are not functional. Fitted with fairly crude checkered wood grips - hairline crack on the left side. Comes with a post-war magazine that sticks out a bit on the bottom. The gun actually has a decent finish, all things considered. There is general high edge wear and spotty brown patina throughout. Grip safety has no finish. The bore shows obvious pitting. Besides the safeties, the gun is functional.