Remington Rand was the largest producer of the M1911A1 during WWII, manufacturing approximately 1,086,624 pistols between 1943 and 1945. Key markings evolved over three distinct production phases, primarily distinguished by the slide logo and specific inspector initials. 1. Slide Markings (The Three Types)

The left side of the slide is the most critical area for identifying the production era:

Type 1 (Early 1943): Marked "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A." in large letters. These are the rarest and were typically finished in a Du-Lite blue.

Type 2 (Mid 1943): Similar to Type 1, but "New York" was abbreviated to "N.Y.". This change occurred around serial number 925,000.

Type 3 (Late 1943–1945): The address was shortened to "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y." in smaller lettering. This is the most common variation. 2. Frame & Inspector Markings

Standard military markings are found on the right side of the frame:

Property Stamp: "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" located above the serial number.

Model Stamp: "M1911A1 U.S. ARMY" located forward of the slide stop pin.

Inspector Initial: Most Remington Rand frames feature the "FJA" mark on the left side (near the magazine release), representing Lt. Col. Frank J. Atwood.

Ordnance Stamp: A "Crossed Cannons" cartouche is usually found on the right rear of the frame.

Proof Mark: A small "P" is typically located on the top of the slide (in front of the rear sight) and on the left side of the frame near the magazine release. 3. Serial Number Identification Remington Rand 1911A1 Evolution Not all are created equal.

Reading the Right Side of the Slide: The Rollmark Evolution

The most visible marking is the manufacturer's name on the slide. Remington Rand significantly altered their rollmark design three times. Identifying which type you have is the first step to dating the pistol.

Conclusion: The Mark of a GI Legend

Understanding Remington Rand 1911A1 markings transforms a rusty old pistol into a historical document. You are not just looking at a gun; you are looking at the largest contribution to the Allied victory by a typewriter company.

When you see the FJA, you see a colonel who rejected millions of rounds of bad ammo. When you see an (G) on the slide stop, you see General Motors pausing tank production to help a competitor. And when you see that crisp REMINGTON RAND rollmark, you see the sidearm that was carried from Normandy to the South Pacific.

Whether you are authenticating a safe queen or a field-grade shooter, always check the serial range first, then the slide rollmark, and finally the small subcontractor stamps. In the world of wartime 1911s, the devil (and the value) is always in the markings.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and historical purposes. Always consult a qualified firearms appraiser or collector’s association (like the Garand Collectors Association) before purchasing a high-value M1911A1.

This is a collector-focused reference report on the markings found on Remington Rand 1911A1 pistols manufactured during World War II. Remington Rand (typewriter company) was one of the primary contractors for the M1911A1, producing approximately 877,000 pistols between 1942 and 1945.

Conclusion

The Remington Rand 1911A1 is a testament to American industrial might. Its markings are not just stamps—they are a logbook of wartime production, inspection, and history. From the distinctive "REMINGTON RAND INC." on the slide to the tiny "R" hidden under a grip panel, every mark tells a story.

Whether you are verifying a $4,000 collector's piece or researching a family heirloom, a thorough understanding of these markings is your most powerful tool. Always remember: in the world of vintage 1911s, the proof is in the punch.

Happy hunting, and watch for those eagle’s heads.

The "FJA" Mark

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 missing. 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 Secret Language: Subcontractor Markings

Because Remington Rand did not make all their own parts, you will find cryptic letters and symbols inside the slide, on the barrel, and on small components. These are not defects; they are subcontractor identification marks.