Decoding History: The Complete Guide to Remington Rand 1911A1 Markings
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.
Full Marking Reference Table
| Component | Location | Markings to Look For | Period |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Frame | Right side, above trigger | Serial number (e.g., 857,234) | All production |
| Frame | Left side, near mag release | FJA (or R.S.E.) in box | 1942-1945 |
| Frame | Left side, front trigger guard | Crossed cannons proof | All production |
| Slide | Right side | Type 1, 2, or 3 text | Varies by serial |
| Slide | Left side, top rear | Single "P" proof | All production |
| Barrel | Left chamber lug | HS, Colt .45 Auto, or F | Varies |
| Magazine | Bottom plate | R, G, L, or no mark | Varies |
| Grips | Inside left panel | Keyhole or circle with R | Late 1943+ |
He set the pistol on the table and lifted the slide slowly. The extractor snapped like a memory catching into place. Inside the barrel, faint rifling turns were visible, the spiraled reminder that every bullet had been guided on its way by a precise cut someone long ago finished by hand and machine. On the mainspring housing, a small worn spot showed where a holster had rested; its leather had softened the metal to a dull pewter.
Standard military markings are found on the right side of the frame:
Typical slide marking:
REMI NGTO N R AND I N C.
(Note the deliberately placed spaces—this is correct and not a defect in the roll die.)
Collectors categorize Remington Rand slides into three "Types" based on the roll marks found on the left side:
The left side of the slide is the most critical area for identifying the production era:
A "crossed cannons" military cartouche was stamped behind the right-side grip on later models. Identifying Serial Number Peculiarities
Type 3 (Late 1943–1945): The address was shortened to "REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y." in smaller lettering. This is the most common variation. 2. Frame & Inspector Markings