Remington Rand was the largest producer of U.S. military M1911A1 pistols during World War II. Correct identification should include serial range, slide type, finish, inspector marks, ordnance marks, and rebuild markings.
Remington Rand pistols are commonly encountered among WWII M1911A1 examples.
Frank J. Atwood inspection marks are an important Remington Rand reference point.
Check slide type, frame markings, finish, barrel, ordnance stamp, and rebuild marks.
| Year | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 | 916405 – 1041404 | Early Remington Rand WWII production |
| 1943 | 1279699 – 1441430 | Remington Rand WWII production |
| 1943 | 1471431 – 1609528 | Remington Rand WWII production |
| 1944 | 1890504 – 2075103 | Remington Rand WWII production |
| 1945 | 2134404 – 2244803 | Late Remington Rand WWII production |
| 1945 | 2380014 – 2619013 | Final Remington Rand WWII production |
| Production Period | Serial Context | Expected Inspection / Acceptance | Expected Finish & Markings | Extra Collector Checks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Remington Rand | 916405 – 1041404 | F.J.A. inspection initials should be reviewed together with frame markings and ordnance stamp. | Early Remington Rand slide markings and parkerized finish should fit the serial period. | Review slide type, barrel markings, grips, mainspring housing, and any rebuild indicators. |
| 1943 Wartime Production | 1279699 – 1609528 | F.J.A. remains the primary inspection reference for Remington Rand wartime production. | Frame markings, slide markings, and parkerized finish should be reviewed together for consistency. | Check ordnance stamp clarity, finish consistency, slide variation, barrel markings, and small parts. |
| Mid-WWII Production | 1890504 – 2075103 | F.J.A. inspection initials should remain consistent with the production period. | Wartime parkerized finish and Remington Rand markings should match the overall production style. | Review grips, magazine type, hammer, slide stop, safety, and any service-processing marks. |
| Late-WWII Production | 2134404 – 2244803 | Late-war examples should still show appropriate F.J.A. inspection context. | Late-war finish and markings should appear consistent across slide, frame, and parts. | Look for replacement barrels, mixed parts, arsenal marks, or finish mismatch from later service work. |
| Final Production | 2380014 – 2619013 | Inspection markings should remain consistent with final wartime Remington Rand production. | Late production parkerized finish and Remington Rand slide markings should be evaluated together. | Review for postwar service history, arsenal rebuild marks, replacement parts, and overall configuration consistency. |
| Service-Processed Pistols | Any Remington Rand range | Original inspection marks may remain visible after arsenal rebuild or service repair. | Finish and parts may differ from original factory condition if the pistol was rebuilt or updated during service. | Document AA, SA, RIA, OG, ANAD, LEAD, or other depot markings when present. |
| Inspector Initials | Inspector Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| F.J.A. | Colonel Frank J. Atwood | Primary WWII acceptance inspector for Remington Rand production. |
| H.S. | LTC Harrison Shaler | Commonly referenced Remington Rand inspection initials. |
| Feature | Verification Notes |
|---|---|
| Finish | Generally parkerized; check consistency across slide, frame, and small parts. |
| Inspector Mark | F.J.A. inspection marks should be reviewed with serial range and frame markings. |
| Ordnance Stamp | Crossed cannons ordnance stamp should be reviewed with finish and frame condition. |
| Slide Type | Remington Rand slide variations should be compared to the serial range and production period. |
| Rebuild Marks | Check for arsenal marks before describing a pistol as original or correct. |