1911a1 Union Switch and Signal show and tell

[12a10]

From WAY back in the safe, here is a gun that has sat untouched, unfired and still in original packing since I bought it in 1967. It is a rare (55,000 made) Union Switch and Signal 1911a1 45acp service pistol made in 1943 in Swissvale, PA.
Having some trouble with computer so will use this post to introduce thread and hopefully get some pics online. Will then do follow-on posts with more details and info...

 

[reverendbeer]

From WAY back in the safe, here is a gun that has sat untouched, unfired and still in original packing since I bought it in 1967. It is a rare (55,000 made) Union Switch and Signal 1911a1 45acp service pistol made in 1943 in Swissvale, PA.

 

[iH8DemLibz]

Beautimus!

 

[12a10]

My third attempt at follow up--computer keeps killing post.

US&S made 55,000 guns in 1943, most went to the OSS and to lend lease(mainly the Nationalist Chinese). This one was stored at Red River Army depot for 15 years and released to the DCM--Director of Civilian Marksmanship--now the CMP for sale to NRA members. A friend bought this package in 1964 for under $30. In 1967 he got overseas orders and needed cash to relocate family. I bought and have had it stored for 49 years--never unpacked.

 

[slowpoke]

 

[djcerna]

Great Googly Moogly!

 

[iH8DemLibz]

I think a PM to Lou45 with pictures, accompanied by a chorus of dancing bananas, would be highly appropriate.

Being that he's a 1911 fan and all.

 

[StantonCree]

X3


And I'm not even a 1911 fan

 

[BUFF7MM]

Nice Karma, I'm in.

 

[12a10]

Next installment---This gun is typical of an original, unmolested US&S gun:
Two-tone du-lite finish, hardened slide nose, keyes fiber grips, Scovill magazine (all three are Scovill), unique serrated trigger,hammer, takedown latch,safety.
Marked with RCD inspectors stamp, p proof,and correct serial number in mid production range. Would have to remove original wax preservative to check inside and will not diminish value by doing that.

Would anyone like to comment on this or offer additional info? What is the value of a "mummified " WWII pistol and spares ?


Gunbroker has a couple in very nice condition up for no-reserve auction: One is at $7550 the other at about $6k--2 days to go.

 

[august1410]

Meh. It's alright, I guess......

 

[KH195]

THIS

 

[28Shooter]

Wow - just Wow! I love time capsules.

 

[Bootknife]

Sweet !

 

[rsideout]

WOW. VERY NICE!!!! That one is on the top of my short list. If you ever decide to sell.....PLEASE let me know.

 

[S&W19]

x5. Wow! Like seeing the holy grail.

 

[SRD]

I do enjoy talking with you when we cross paths but I should let you know,I'm also up for odoption,do windows/dishes,lawn care,etc.

 

[somd_mustangs]

WOW. VERY NICE!!!! That one is on the top of my short list. If you ever decide to sell.....PLEASE let me know.

we'll have to have an MDS raffle

that thing is unbelievable.

value is hard to guess because I'll bet there aren't many like it out there.
more than $7500 for sure...
several have sold lately on GB and other dealers in the $5-6k range that were "troubled".

this is a time capsule!

 

[good guy 176]

Your US&S is likely worth $6-8000 if correct and as good as I think it is. I have a friend who is looking for one in this condition, but I understand that yours is not currently for sale. He has a friend whom he consults about high end, authentic USGI 1911s and that fella would be someone who could accurately evaluate what you have.

I own a US&S but mine is far from correct, but still was quite a find at $1,650 invested. The 1911 was my tote piece on active duty from 1963-84. I also own a Colt, a Rem Rand, and an Ithaca as reminders of times long, long ago.

Lew--Ranger63

 

[SRD]

12a10,give me a call or stop by the shop (not related to this thread).