Union Switch & Signal Model 1911A1 - Arsenal Rework

Description

10/14/26 - This is a rare Union Switch & Signal made 1911A1 from 1943 that was later arsenal reworked. It is all correct except for the barrel, which is a Springfield replacement, and it has all the proper markings. The right side of the frame has the "FK" and "RIA" (Rock Island Arsenal) rework markings. The finish rates roughly 94%, with general high edge wear and minor thinning on the grip straps. There isn't much actual finish loss, but there is light freckling or spotty oxidation on most of the slide and the front strap. Fitted with correct reddish plastic grips and comes with an unmarked magazine. Strong rifling with light pinpricking throughout, 7.5/10. A chance to own 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.