Make: Remington UMC

Model: 1911

Serial Number: 13797

Year of Manufacture: January, 1919

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5", Springfield Armory replacement.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade staked to the slide, WWII-era replacement. The rear sight is a "U"-notch dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have minor tool marks around the screws. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: We suspect that some remaining finish is Original. Most surfaces have been cleaned or polished to white, areas of the slide show treatment with cold blue. Some parts replaced.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and scattered stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7+/ 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 15% of its current metal finish. Strongest finish is on the controls which are likely replacements. THe frame has been almost completely cleaned or polished to white, showing some finish around the trigger guard. The slid has a mottled appearance with some finish, some worn areas treated with cold blue, and others worn or cleaned to white. There are some scattered nicks and scratches, most notable on the right-side slide markings. There are infrequent spots of minor erosion. The action shows operational wear. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This pistol comes with a single 7-round two-tone magazine, canvas USMC web-belt with M1912 USMC Long Drop Holster, first aid pouch with sealed Carlisle Model first aid packet, and a single 2-magazine belt pouch.

Our Assessment: The outbreak of WWI saw every major European power scrambling for any and all arms they could lay their hands on. This demand caused an expansion of arms production in America, despite not having entered the war. In addition to expanding their existing facilities, Remington UMC made entirely new factories just to supply ammunition to the Russians and French. In 1915, Remington completed what was at the time the largest factory complex in the entire United States solely to supply the Russian Empire with rifles and bayonets. As Russia descended into revolution, America entered the war, and the facility was turned over to producing Browning .50 caliber machine guns, flare pistols, and Model 1911 pistols.

Bringing 1911 production online was easier said than done as Colt didn’t have any drawings for the design, and never supplied Remington with master gauges. Remington proceeded to find five Colt 1911s with satisfactory parts interchangeability and produced their own drawings. This is not the ideal method of starting production, but Colt wasn't helping and there was a war on! Remington UMC received a contract for 150,000 pistols, later increased to 500,000 in March 1918. At this time, it was thought that the war could go on for years, instead the Germans were pushed back and the Armistice was signed in November. Remington UMC produced only 21,676 Model 1911 pistols. The manufacturing equipment was transferred to Springfield Armory, and was later distributed during WWII to produce 1911A1 pistols.

This example is from 1919, fairly late in their production. The pistol shows its age and appears to have stayed in service long enough for a front sight update and a Springfield replacement barrel to be installed. With the limited production of the Remington UMC 1911s, any would make a neat addition to a collection and this one will display particularly well with the included USMC holster rig. Please see our pictures and good luck!