Exceptional World War II U.S. Union Switch & Signal Co. Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Manufactured in 1943, this Union Switch & Signal Model 1911A1 is a highly desirable World War II U.S. military pistol with exceptional collector appeal, especially given the company’s famously limited production run. According to the table on page 144 of U.S. Military Automatic Pistols: 1920-1945 by Meadows, this exact pistol falls within a June 1943 shipment of 10,828 pistols, covering serial numbers 1,057,959 to 1,068,786. Its historical significance is strengthened by the fact that U.S. Ordnance placed an order with Union Switch & Signal Company in May 1942 for 200,000 Model 1911A1 pistols, later reduced to only 55,000, all of which were delivered to U.S. Ordnance during 1943 while World War II was at its height. This example retains the key features collectors look for, including fixed blade front and notch rear sights; a correct blued barrel marked “P” and “HS” for High Standard on the recoil lug; a checkered short stamped trigger; checkered magazine release, thumb safety, narrow spur hammer, and slide catch; and an arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop. The left side of the slide carries the distinctive “USS” monogram and Swissvale, Pennsylvania, address, while the left side of the frame bears the circled “R.C.D.” inspection stamp of Robert C. Downie. The right side of the frame is marked with the U.S. property marking, serial number, and model designation. It is fitted with a pair of Keyes Fibre Co. brown checkered plastic grips marked “star/K” on the interiors and includes a full-blued magazine marked “R” on the toe. With documented placement in a known 1943 shipment, scarce Union Switch & Signal wartime production, correct military markings, and desirable period components, this 1911A1 represents an outstanding opportunity for collectors of U.S. martial arms and World War II firearms.