Union Switch & Signal 1911-A1 Documented WWII Bringback

Make: Union Switch & Signal
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 1063417
Year of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .45 ACP
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “United States Property / No 1063417 / M 1911 A1 U.S. Army”. The left side of the frame is marked with the “R.C.D” inspectors stamp. There is a “P” below the magazine release and a “P” on the top of the slide, above the serrations. The left side of the slide is marked “USS / U. S. & S. Co. / Swissvale, Pa. U.S.A.”. The barrel is marked “O” and “HS”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered bakelite, with a few marks but no losses and still sharp checkering. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Finish Originality: Original. All markings are sharp, the finish is correct and the “R.C.D.” looks to have been stamped after the finish was applied.
Bore Condition: The bore is near bright and the rifling is sharp. This barrel has seen very little firing. There is some very light possible frosting (or perhaps just fouling) at the rear of the bore. The bore is a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The right side of the frame shows very light thinning over the last three digits of the serial number. There is light thinning on the underside of the frame and light edge wear throughout. There is no pitting or erosion visible, and this is truly the highest condition US &S that we have handled. The Screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this gun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, though we have not fired this pistol.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This gun comes as a complete ensemble from Barbara Swartz, widow of Robert Kenneda Swartz – a Lieutenant in the Navy from 1943-1945 in the South Pacific. A notarized letter from Mrs. Swartz is included with the pistol, as is the original belt, magazine pouch and Boyt 1942 holster. The holster is stamped “MacGaffin U.S.N.” on the back. The notarized letter explains how Robert returned from the war with this pistol, and that the pistol was stored in the Swartz home out of reach from the children since at least 1974 – when Barbara and Robert married. Barbara has also included the “Night Order Book” from the ship that Lieutenant Swartz served on. Mrs. Swartz could not recall the name of her husband’s ship, but recalled that it was Ship Number 5435. One Colt marked magazine will also be included.
Our Assessment: This is one of the finest WWII ensembles we have ever handled. Union Switch 1911’s are some of the highest regarded 1911’s ever made, and this is reflected in their collectability. The gun here is spectacular on its own merits, with more original finish than just about any other US & S gun, with all correct markings. You could not find a better US&S 1911-A1 and that is just the beginning. The gun comes complete as an ensemble from the widow of Lieutenant Swartz, including the Night Order Book from his ship and his original holster rig. Add the confirmed history, to the inherent value of this pistol and this is one amazing collection.

Sold For: $6,351