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Singer was awarded a larger order for 15,000 pistols, a contract which would never be fulfilled as it became
clear shortly after that their specific talents of manufacturing could be far better utilized making more intricate
equipment such as the M5 Artillery Fire Control Directors and the Sperry T-1 bomb sight. An included note from the
consignor with this pistol states that it was recently rediscovered in the footlocker of a former U.S. Army Air Corps
officer, after having been cleaned, stored away, and forgotten by years. It also states that the pistol was carried by this
U.S. Army Air Corps officer while flying over “the hump” in the China, Burma, and India theater during World War II, and
a copy of a photograph of the said officer is included. The consignor also notes that the same officer also participated
in Operation Torch in North Africa, and a silk “escape map” featuring the Iberian peninsula and North Africa is
also included.
This U.S. Singer Model 1911A1 pistol was manufactured in 1941 along with the other 499 standard production Singer
pistols, many of which have not survived to this day. The left of the slide on this example has the standard “S. MFG.
CO./ELIZABETH, N.J. ,U.S.A.” address, the right is unmarked, and there is a “P” proof on top just in front of the rear sight.
The right side of the frame has the “JKC” inspection mark of Colonel John K. Clement, which is found on all government
accepted Singer manufactured pistols, as well as another “P” proof. The correct full blue barrel is marked “P” on the left
of the lug. The right side of the frame has the correct U.S. property markings, “S” prefixed serial number, and “M 1911
A1 U.S. ARMY” marking. It is fitted with all original components blade and notch sights, short stamped trigger, long
grip safety, checkered wide hammer, checkered slide stop, magazine release, and thumb safety; arched checkered
mainspring housing with lanyard loop, correct non-reinforced “hollow back” grips, and a replacement “L” marked full
blued M.S. Little Mfg. Co. contractor-made magazine. Included with this pistol is a “US” Clinton leather flap holster with
web belt and a “US” marked leather shoulder holster.
A scarce, historic, documented Singer Model 1911A1 such as this could easily be the centerpiece of even the most
prestigious public or private U.S. military collections. These Singer pistols have truly become the “holy grail” of 1911
and 1911A1 collecting, representing the highest quality of the World War II production 1911A1 pistols, as well as a
tangible piece of American industrial might and the indomitable spirit of the American fighting man.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish with some limited holster and
handling wear showing a bright grey patina on the front grip strap, typical of an Army Air Corps issued sidearm. The
grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is an
outstanding example of a rare U.S. Singer Model 1911A1 that was recently discovered and fresh to the market that
could easily be a defining piece in even the most extensive public or private U.S. military collections!
Estimate: 180,000 - 275,000