SOLD - Scarce Union Switch & Signal M1911A1

2/12/19 - This is a rare Union Switch & Signal made 1911A1 from 1943 in fantastic original condition. The serial dates this pistol to April of that year, which is early in the production period. It is all original and correct with about 80-85% dulite finish remaining. The slide is very nice overall but the frame shows some splotchy areas and a very thin front strap. Note that this is a very late slide variation, but can be correct for any Union Switch & Signal 1911A1 as many were paired later. Proper proof marks include P on slide and RCD inspector proof on frame. Concentric circles on the barrel bushing. HS marked barrel. 'S' marked magazine. Minty grips and bore.

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The Union Switch & Signal company of Swissvale Pennsylvania, primarily made railroad signaling equipment but received a contract on May 5, 1942 for the manufacture of M1911A1 pistols. The first pistols were accepted by Ordnance inspectors in January 1943, but the company received word that their contract would be canceled. Within a month U.S.&S. had signed a contract to supply carbine parts. On March 8, 1943 the company was officially notified that their contract had been cut back from 200,000 pistols to 30,000 pistols. However on June 26th, when the contract was nearly complete, and many of the workers had been transferred to Carbine operations, the company received a letter of intent to purchase an additional 25,000 pistols. The last of the pistols was shipped on November 27, 1943. 55,000 Union Switch and Signal pistols were delivered serial numbered from 1041405 to 1096404. U.S.&S. pistols are the second rarest of the M1911A1s (55,000 produced), only the Singer is rarer (500 produced). None of the Union Switch & Signal 1911A1s have the crossed cannons ordnance stamp. We are told these were issued to the Army Air Corps during the war.