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Took a little road trip to visit my grandfather for Labor Day weekend, and pulled out his 1911 that was issued to him in WWII. Mainly, I wanted to make sure it was staying in good condition and I wanted to check out the serial number and the manufacturer.
Turns out it was made by Union Switch & Signal in 1943. Slide and frame are both US&S -- and they only made 55,000 total 1911's, all in '43! I know the frame is also US&S because of the inspector stamp behind the trigger on the left side, and because the finger reliefs on the frame, behind and on either side of the trigger, are elliptical instead of symmetrical half-moon shapes.
Inside of the chamber and barrel look absolutely brand new, no joke. There is a bit of pitting on the top of the chamber (on the outside, where it's visible through the ejection port), and a very small amount of surface rust on the slide. I think the firing pin spring is weak, but the others feel great and I have no doubt it would function fine. I put some new grease on it to prevent further rust.
Sorry for the crappy photos. I checked it out at night and only brought an old point-and-shoot. I wasn't planning on sharing; just taking photos so I could do some research when I got home. Last two digits of serial number blacked out.
Turns out it was made by Union Switch & Signal in 1943. Slide and frame are both US&S -- and they only made 55,000 total 1911's, all in '43! I know the frame is also US&S because of the inspector stamp behind the trigger on the left side, and because the finger reliefs on the frame, behind and on either side of the trigger, are elliptical instead of symmetrical half-moon shapes.
Inside of the chamber and barrel look absolutely brand new, no joke. There is a bit of pitting on the top of the chamber (on the outside, where it's visible through the ejection port), and a very small amount of surface rust on the slide. I think the firing pin spring is weak, but the others feel great and I have no doubt it would function fine. I put some new grease on it to prevent further rust.
Sorry for the crappy photos. I checked it out at night and only brought an old point-and-shoot. I wasn't planning on sharing; just taking photos so I could do some research when I got home. Last two digits of serial number blacked out.
great looking gun, a true testament to our nations history!
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