Scarce, Excellent Union Switch & Signal Model 1911A1 - Likely Lunchbox Special

Description

10/28/26 - This is a scarce Union Switch & Signal Model 1911A1 that is likely a "lunchbox special." The only markings on the gun are the slide legend on the left side of the slide; there is no serial number and there are no proof marks anywhere. Pistols like this are often referred to as "lunchbox specials" - it is often said that these guns were taken home part by part by factory employees and put together later. Of course, we can't prove this; it is just our best guess. The original finish rates about 97%, with very minor high edge wear and a hint of brown patina on the front strap. High Standard barrel. Fitted with excellent period-correct reddish plastic grips and comes with an "L" marked magazine. Like-new bore, 10/10. A rare chance to own an unusual example from one of the scarcest WW2 1911A1 makers.

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The Union Switch & Signal company of Swissvale Pennsylvania, primarily made railroad signaling equipment but received a contract on May 5, 1942 for the manufacture of M1911A1 pistols. The first pistols were accepted by Ordnance inspectors in January 1943, but the company received word that their contract would be canceled. Within a month U.S.&S. had signed a contract to supply carbine parts. On March 8, 1943 the company was officially notified that their contract had been cut back from 200,000 pistols to 30,000 pistols. However on June 26th, when the contract was nearly complete, and many of the workers had been transferred to Carbine operations, the company received a letter of intent to purchase an additional 25,000 pistols. The last of the pistols was shipped on November 27, 1943. 55,000 Union Switch and Signal pistols were delivered serial numbered from 1041405 to 1096404. U.S.&S. pistols are the second rarest of the M1911A1s (55,000 produced), only the Singer is rarer (500 produced). None of the Union Switch & Signal 1911A1s have the crossed cannons ordnance stamp. We are told these were issued to the Army Air Corps during the war.