Remington Rand 1911a1 Markings May 2026

REMINGTON RAND INC.
SYRACUSE, N.Y.
1911 A1 U.S. ARMY

The most prominent marking on the slide is the Remington Rand manufacturer’s notation. Unlike Colt’s elaborate pony logos, Remington Rand kept it strictly utilitarian.

This "broken" spelling of REMINGTON is a key authentication feature. Fakes often incorrectly spell it as a single continuous word. The spaces were due to the roll stamp die splitting the name to fit the slide’s contour.

REMINGTON RAND
1911 A1 U.S. ARMY

The slide is the billboard of the 1911. Remington Rand used four distinct variations of slide markings over three years. Identifying these is step one.

On the left side of the frame, just behind the trigger guard, you will find the U.S. Ordnance Department acceptance mark. It is an eagle's head with a "S" (for Springfield inspector) or a "crossed cannons" escutcheon.

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. remington rand 1911a1 markings

These are critical for authenticity.

| Part | Typical Marking | Meaning | |------|----------------|---------| | Barrel | P (on top lug), R or RR (on bottom lug) | Proof; Remington Rand | | Slide interior (right rear) | R or S | Remington Rand or subcontractor | | Firing pin stop | R | Remington Rand | | Safety lock | R or S | | | Grip safety | R | | | Magazine catch | R | | | Hammer | R (sometimes no mark) | | | Trigger | R (early), later unmarked or R | | | Mainspring housing | Checkered (early), grooved (late 1944-45), sometimes R | |

Understanding Remington Rand 1911A1 markings transforms a rusty old pistol into a historical document. You are not just looking at a gun; you are looking at the largest contribution to the Allied victory by a typewriter company.

When you see the FJA, you see a colonel who rejected millions of rounds of bad ammo. When you see an (G) on the slide stop, you see General Motors pausing tank production to help a competitor. And when you see that crisp REMINGTON RAND rollmark, you see the sidearm that was carried from Normandy to the South Pacific. REMINGTON RAND INC

Whether you are authenticating a safe queen or a field-grade shooter, always check the serial range first, then the slide rollmark, and finally the small subcontractor stamps. In the world of wartime 1911s, the devil (and the value) is always in the markings.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and historical purposes. Always consult a qualified firearms appraiser or collector’s association (like the Garand Collectors Association) before purchasing a high-value M1911A1.

Remington Rand was the largest producer of M1911A1 pistols during WWII, delivering approximately 877,715 units between 1942 and 1945. Identifying an authentic Remington Rand involves examining specific slide variations, frame proofs, and serial number formats. Slide Marking Variations

Remington Rand slides are categorized into three "Types" based on the logo and address formatting: The most prominent marking on the slide is

Type 1 (Early 1943): Features a large logo with the address spelled out as "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, NEW YORK".

Type 2 (Mid 1943): Similar large logo, but the address is abbreviated to "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y.".

Type 3 (Late 1943–1945): The most common variation. Features a smaller logo with the abbreviated "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A." address. Frame & Receiver Markings

This is a concise reference for correct, original markings on a WWII-era Remington Rand 1911A1 (produced 1943–1945).