US Army WWII Union Switch & Signal US&S DuLite Model 1911A1 .45 ACP Pistol
SOLD FOR: $9,025
WOA#: WY240224CC055
Make: Union Switch & Signal Co.
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 1084479
Year of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Removable Magazine Fed Single Action SA Semi-Automatic Pistol.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with a “USS” monogram logo and “U.S. & S. CO. / SWISSVALE, PA. U.S.A.”. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 1084479″ and “M 1911A1 U.S. ARMY”. The left side of the frame is marked with a circled “R.C.D.” above the magazine release, and a “P” acceptance proof below the magazine release. There is another “P” on the top of the slide in front of the rear sight. The magazine is marked with an “S” on the top of the toe plate, denoting manufacture by Scovill during WW2, one of the correct makers of mags used with Union Switch & Signal .45s.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a serrated, ramped rear face fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown Keyes Fibre grips with reinforcement ribs on the inside but without reinforcement rings around the screws (early-style). The grips have minor handling wear. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: DuLite
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no corrosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is very minor play between the slide and frame. This pistol has manual and grip safeties. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One original US WW2 Scovill “S” marked 7 round blued magazine.
Our Assessment: The Union Switch & Signal (US&S) DuLite Model 1911-A1 pistol represents a fascinating chapter in martial arms production during World War II. Union Switch & Signal, primarily a manufacturer of railroad signaling equipment based in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, entered the realm of firearms production when it received a government contract in 1942 to produce M1911A1 pistols for the US Army. The US&S variant was a distinctive iteration of the M1911A1, characterized by its high-quality finish and meticulous craftsmanship. Produced in 1943, these pistols featured a unique DuLite blued finish, which set them apart from other manufacturers’ versions. This finish not only enhanced the aesthetics of the pistol but also provided additional protection against corrosion and wear, making it particularly appealing to soldiers serving overseas. Union Switch & Signal is the second scarcest maker of M1911A1s to encounter today, producing only 55,000 pistols from January to November 1943. Today, they are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts due to their historical significance and rarity compared to other wartime-produced M1911A1 pistols. Please see our photos and good luck! -R.E.
