Remington Rand 1911A1 Markings: A Collector’s Guide to Wartime Variations

The Ultimate Guide to Remington Rand 1911A1 Markings The Remington Rand 1911A1 is the most mass-produced M1911A1 pistol of World War II. The company manufactured approximately 875,000 units between 1942 and 1945. Because Remington Rand was a typewriter manufacturer and not a traditional firearms maker, their production evolution created distinct variations. For collectors and historians, identifying authentic, period-correct markings is critical to verifying a pistol's originality and value.

He imagined the pistol’s calmer years too—returned stateside, issued to a small-town sheriff for county paperwork and long afternoons behind a wooden desk. The Remington Rand stamp grew less like a factory name and more like a label of provenance, the echo of a period when companies like that turned out the tools of history.

Remington Rand's efficiency was so high that they eventually produced pistols at a lower cost than Colt, despite having no prior experience in firearms. Today, these pistols are highly sought after by collectors, with prices generally ranging from based on the originality of these specific markings and the overall condition.

Dating a Remington Rand 1911A1 requires understanding the pistol's serial number. The Blue Book of Gun Values provides the following serial number ranges for Remington Rand production:

The best Remington Rand 1911A1s aren’t the ones with perfect, museum-case markings—they’re the ones with honest wear, correct inspector stamps for their serial range, and the deliberate “REMI NGTO N R AND” slip of the roll die. Study the markings carefully, buy the gun (not the story), and you’ll own a true piece of WWII history.

First contract production began with serial numbers in the 916,405 to 1,041,404 range.

Fake Remington Rand markings fall into two categories:

As noted, Frank J. Atwood’s initials are the final acceptance mark. However, note that on very early pistols (serial 856,001 – 860,000), the FJA mark is . The inspection was done by a Major R.S. Edwards. Those pistols have a R.S.E. mark instead. An FJA-marked pistol is standard; an R.S.E. marked pistol is a rarity worth a premium.

The frame markings are critical for identifying the inspector overseeing the production and confirming original components.

A small circular stamp featuring "crossed cannons" is located on the right side of the frame, near the rear. This was the final acceptance mark from the military.

A stamped "HS" on the right side of the barrel lug. Proof: A stamped "P" on the left side of the barrel lug. Springfield Armory (Early Production)

A small crossed-cannons ordnance stamp is found behind the right grip panel. 3. Barrel and Small Parts Markings

Barrel features HS or S markings on the lug, rather than a commercial contract stamp. If you are evaluating a specific pistol, tell me: