Remington Rand 1911a1 Markings -

A large "P" on the slide and barrel indicates the pistol was proof-fired (loaded with a high-pressure cartridge) at the factory. Look for:

Early production Remington Rand slides (roughly 1943–early 1944) used "NO." (all caps, period). Later production switched to "No." (capital N, lowercase o, period). This is a minor but well-known variation among collectors.

For collectors of military sidearms, few names evoke the spirit of World War II quite like Remington Rand. However, unlike Colt or Springfield Armory, Remington Rand was not a traditional firearms manufacturer. Before 1942, they were famous for typewriters and business machines. Yet, during the war, they became the largest producer of the M1911A1 pistol, delivering over 875,000 units to the U.S. Government. remington rand 1911a1 markings

Because of this unique corporate history, Remington Rand 1911A1 markings are some of the most studied, confusing, and counterfeited in the collecting world. Understanding these marks is essential to authenticating a pistol, determining its value, and tracing its service history.

This article provides a deep dive into every rollmark, inspection stamp, serial number range, and subcontractor code found on a Remington Rand M1911A1. A large "P" on the slide and barrel

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.

| Production Period | Serial Range | Distinctive Markings | |------------------|--------------|----------------------| | Early 1942 | No. 1 – 700,000 (approx) | Smaller font, periods after "INC" and "N.Y." | | Late 1942 – 1943 | 700,000 – 1,600,000 | Larger font, no periods after "INC" or "N.Y." | | 1944 | 1,600,000 – 2,200,000 | Smooth slide sides (no "No." prefix on serial?) — see slide section | | 1945 | 2,200,000 – 2,618,405 | Late war finish changes, sometimes parkerizing over tool marks | Pro Tip: If you see a Remington Rand

Pro Tip: If you see a Remington Rand slide marked "HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON" or "ITHACA GUN CO.", you’re looking at a post-war replacement slide. Remington Rand never made slides for other contractors.

If you're selling or submitting for a collector’s forum, photograph these specific areas:

Use oblique (side) lighting and a macro lens. Stamps should look stamped (displaced metal) not laser-etched (flat/smooth).