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One of 500 manufactured by Singer in World War II for U.S. Contract, produced as part of order number W-ORD-396, awarded April 17, 1940.
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LOT 347
Exceptional and Rare Rock Island Arsenal Refurbished World War II U.S. Singer Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Original Arsenal Box - Serial no. S800330, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, plastic grips. This is a rare example of an authentic World War II pistol manufactured by the Singer Manufacturing Company under the Ordnance Educational Order No. W-ORD-396. Singer completed the Educational Order in December 1941. Most of the 500 Singer Model 1911A1 pistols were apparently issued to the U.S. Army Air Corps. Given the terribly high casualty rates among the Army Air Corps early in the war, especially among bomber crews, it is certain that far fewer than
the original 500 of these pistols survived, making a true survivor such as this pistol even more incredible. Not only did this Singer survive the high attrition rates of the early war,
it was refreshed by the U.S. Rock Island Arsenal and continued in its steadfast service to this country! It is very rare to see these pistols with an arsenal refinish as most examples seem to have either retained much of their original finish, or alternatively received very rough treatment. This specific pistol is unique in that it must have seen enough use during the war to necessitate a fresh finish application, while also being cared for in a way that it could continue in service for years after being refreshed. The pistol has the original wide spur hammer with borderless checkering and checkered thumb safety, slide stop, trigger and main spring housing. It has been fitted with a pair of replacement brown plastic, checkered Keyes Fibre grips. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with the Singer
name and address: “S. MFG.CO./ELIZABETH, N.J., U.S.A.” in two lines just ahead of the slide serrations. The top of the slide is stamped with a “P” proofmark. The right side of the frame is stamped: “UNITED STATES PROPERTY/No S800330” in two lines behind the behind the slide stop hole and “M 1911 A1 U.S.ARMY” in a single line in front of it. The left side of
the frame is stamped with the “JKC” initials of Col. John K. Clement, the executive officer
of the New York Ordnance District. A “P” proofmark is stamped on the left side of the frame immediately above the magazine release. The right side of the frame is additionally stamped with an ordnance bomb, “RIA” for Rock Island Arsenal, and “FK” for Frank Krack, assistant foreman of inspection at Rock Island Arsenal who is noted as having worked in that position from 17 September 1941 until his retirement on 19 July 1946, all markings that were added during the arsenal refurbishment. The correct, likely original, blued barrel is marked “S” and “P” on the left of the lug. The replacement magazine is blued and “L”
marked. Includes a correct Kraft box hand numbered to the gun and two extra magazines wrapped in wax paper. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as Rock Island Arsenal refurbished, retains 98% plus of the desirable World War II era green parkerized finish with some very light edge wear, a few scattered light handling/takedown marks, and crisp markings overall. The grips are very fine with
a few scattered light blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very fine with some mild exterior wear. The magazines are excellent. Writer can only recall of one other arsenal refurbished Singer Model 1911A1, an extreme rarity!
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000