This pistol in all respects is an original, as manufactured Model 1911A1 pistol produced by the Ithaca Gun company. Military Automatic Pistols 1920-45" by Scott Meadows.
Smith, at the end of WWII, as noted in the excellent book "U.S. I guess they thought if the guy could live thru that he deserved a keep sake.This is a truly a unique example of a exceptionally rare WWII Ithaca Model 1911A1 pistol specifically made and presented to CAPT. I personally knew a pilot who flew P-47's in Europe and he told me the AF didn't make a big deal out of officers keeping their sidearms once they returned. I've read that pilots brought back a lot of issue revolvers and pistols which were never turned in. Today it's a memento of my days in the Army, and one gun I will pass on to my heirs someday. During this time I upgraded it with some more modern components. I did a lot of bullseye shooting with it as well. It was also my carry gun in the Arizona National Guard's 158th Infantry "Bushmasters," an outfit that had a distinguished combat history during WWII. The gun was 100% reliable and could put them in the black consistently if I did my part. I splurged on a competition accuracy job from a very competent gunsmith, and this pistol became both my carry gun on active duty and my centerfire pistol for bullseye competition. In the Army, I did some shooting in pistol competition, but my old warhorse suffered from lack of accuracy. I was quite familiar with the 1911A1, and I was glad to finally have one of my own. I was going into the Army after college graduation, and wanted something more potent as a protection gun to travel cross-country. I traded my first pistol, a Ruger Standard 6", for it and had to throw in some cash.
I purchased it in early 1961 from a sporting goods store in Phoenix. 45 I ever owned was this Ithaca, vintage of 1943.
Ithaca 1911 price guide full#
If I am not mistaken Remington Rand had some start up issues with parts interchangeably earlier on and really didn't get into full out production until 1944 through 1945. Think it would be easier for an officer to bring back one in personal baggage than enlisted. After 25 missions (later 35) air crews rotated back to US. Wonder if a number Of Ithacas were bring backs from air crews especially officers. 1943 was a big ramp up year for the Air War over Europe. Hard to tell about the Ithacas showing up. Ithaca made a total of around 350,000 during the war. Just luck of the draw I guess, heck even my sporterized 1903A3 was made in 1943. But the funny thing is that besides my 1943 Ithaca, my M1 Garand and my M1 carbine were both made in 1943. Other than they must have made a bunch that year. can't figure out why so many 1943 Ithaca showing up. I mentioned I had this firearm and mentioned he had one as well. My general foreman was a WWII vet and we got to talking one night about firearms. I think I might not shoot this one, even if it goes against my nature.ġ943 1911A1's made by Ithaca seem to be coming out of the wood work. The only “blemish” being German proof marks that were added. It is in an amazing condition, almost like new.
Even better, price was now down to $ 2500. Turns out he had two, one in poor condition, and the one I saw at the gun show. So I asked anyway if he had any Ithaca 1911A1. 22 lr competition pistol (Hämmerli 280 )Īnd I remember seeing a very nice Ithaca at his booth at a gun show back in December 2019, which I even photographed. I was visiting an LGS here in Switzerland where I seldom go, to buy specifically a. Then you’re thinking, it’d be nice to have another maker, like a Remington Rand, coincidentally also from 1943 (bought last year from a private seller).Įventually you’re starting to think about an Ithaca You get the chance to buy a nice Colt 1911 A1 from 1943 (bought back in 2013 at an auction).