Make: Marked Singer Manufacturing Co.

Model: M1911A1 U.S. Army

Serial Number: S800328

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1941 (C&R Eligible)

Caliber: .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Fed by Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “S. MFG. CO. / ELIZABETH, N.J., U.S.A.” The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No S800328 / M1911A1 U.S. ARMY.” The markings have been professionally reapplied during restoration. The left barrel link-lug is marked "P".

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a "U"-notch dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece full-checkered brown synthetic. The interior of the grips have no reinforcement ribs and no mold numbers. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Professionally restored by Steve Moeller (per consignor), with markings reapplied.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its restored metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minimal handling and faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Excellent condition as restored.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes one Scovill 7-round magazine.

Our Assessment: The Singer M1911A1 is one of the rarest and most sought-after military handguns ever produced. In 1940-1941, the U.S. Ordnance Department issued an educational contract to the Singer Manufacturing Company, known for its sewing machines, to determine if the company could mass-produce military sidearms during wartime. Unlike other manufacturers, Singer’s contract was not for full-scale production but for a 500-unit experimental run, mostly to produce a comprehensive plan for a non-firearms manufacturer to tool up and begin production. These pistols were built to exceptionally high standards, showcasing precise machining, superior polishing, and a rich deep blued finish that set them apart from wartime 1911A1s.

Due to the limited production of just 500 pistols, Singer M1911A1s are among the most valuable U.S. military firearms ever made. The pistols were primarily issued to the U.S. Army Air Corps, where they saw service with bomber crews and officers. Because of their limited distribution and wartime use, few remain today, making them an absolute grail piece for collectors. While many M1911A1s from Colt, Remington Rand, Ithaca, and Union Switch & Signal were produced in the hundreds of thousands, Singer’s contribution remains an ultra-rare footnote in military firearms history.

This particular example has been professionally restored by Steve Moeller, one of the top names in firearms restoration. His meticulous attention to detail ensures that the markings, finish, and fit are of the highest quality, preserving much of the pistol’s collectible value.

For advanced collectors, finding an original Singer M1911A1 is nearly impossible, with values soaring into six figures in untouched condition. This restored example represents an incredible opportunity to own a piece of history, while still possessing the defining characteristics of this iconic model. Even as a restored firearm, its historical significance, rarity, and connection to the U.S. military’s wartime industrialization make it a standout addition to any high-end collection.

Whether you are a dedicated collector of U.S. military handguns, a World War II historian, or an investor in rare firearms, this Singer M1911A1 remains one of the most desirable and elusive pieces in the world of collectible firearms. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a gun that is as much a piece of history as it is a marvel of engineering. Please see our photos and good luck!