Harry Howland of Ithaca designed a stamped trigger assembly that was approved by the Ordnance Department. Colt also supplied many of the small parts. These early Colt receivers (frames) can be quickly identified by the cut-outs under the stocks. In early 1942 & 1943 Ithaca did not have all the equipment necessary to manufacture the components so they received parts from other contractors that included 6,200 WWI receivers that Springfield had in storage. The total number of pistols produced by Ithaca was 335,466. Ithaca started production in December of 1942 and was the only established firearms company to produce 1911A1s other than Colt.
The ithaca 1911 driver#
I would not expect tack driver results from one as they were designed to be used up close and personal as a duty side arm.
![the ithaca 1911 the ithaca 1911](https://lsbauctions.com/wp-content/uploads/Ithaca-Remington-Rand-Model-M1911A1-1911-A1-Parkerized-5-WWII-SA-Semi-Automatic-Pistol-MFD-1943-CR.jpg)
The recent ones I have seen for sale bring an average of $800.00-$1000.00 for Nice examples. Most Ithacas I have seen are rough in finish and fit as they were stressed to get them out for the War Effort. Here is some information I found on the Ithaca 1911's you may find intresting. The Ithaca Built 1911's were Hand fitted, so the Hunch of it being a lunch Box Gun is merly a Rumor the gun shop owner wanted to add to it to make the sale more Color full. Is this a risky purchase, or a "jump on it" deal? Thanks.
The ithaca 1911 serial#
It looks great, in fact, until you notice the odd serial number. My question is, since this is not really a military 1911 A1, is it worth $800.00? I mean, it probably never had its parts fitted together to factory standards, i.e., it was likely made from freshly made Ithaca parts that were smuggled out one by one.
The ithaca 1911 serial number#
Later, in order to make it legal, the police department put a serial number on it when it came into the hands of a cop who inherited it from his father. I asked the owner and he said it was a "lunch box gun." He explained that it was likely either made from parts that were smuggled out by a worker from the Ithaca factory during WWII or it was smuggled out whole before it got a serial number. Looked like it was put on amateurishly in large font. Excellent condition (looks nearly new), except the serial number was strange. While ~1,800 is a lot of money to put into a single pistol, I'd say for what this gun actually is, it's a pretty darned good deal.At the gun shop I saw an Ithaca 1911 A1 with correct US military markings.
![the ithaca 1911 the ithaca 1911](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2nl9OOybndQ/maxresdefault.jpg)
I don't like serrations up front, I'm not a fan of a rail, and I don't need a magwell or laser. The front strap checkering, extended thumb safety, beaver tail grip are all that I really need. They offer this model with the bomar sites, a model with novaks, a hard chrome, and a commander length. They don't have a GI style model as of now. I think it's the gun brand that I most often see misspelled. You can even spell "Ithaca", which many cannot. From what I see and read, Colt, Springfield, and probably Remington, are doing all I need or want in a 1911.īut your new Ithaca seems a good choice for those who want such a item. 45 auto as I'd have to give for a SIG P-210 of the former style.Īnd I want stainless, at a reasonable price. I didn't know the new Ithaca company was making pistols.ĭo they have a more basic gun? I'm just not into paying as much for a service capable.
![the ithaca 1911 the ithaca 1911](https://laststandonzombieisland.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/ithaca-1911-gi.jpg)
![the ithaca 1911 the ithaca 1911](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6a/cf/72/6acf72771ff432b530765a293bfbbcf6.jpg)
The GI Ithacas I've seen, not many, were rougher than Rem-Rands.