Lot 229

WWII Era Unnumbered Production Sample Ithaca Model 1911A1 Pistol

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WWII Era Unnumbered Production Sample Ithaca Model 1911A1 Pistol

Estimate: $4,500 - $6,500

Starting Bid: $4,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

World War II Era Un-numbered "Production Sample" Ithaca Gun Co. Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol Manufactured c. 1943-1945 by the Ithaca Gun Company, based off of the shape and spacing of the distinct die marks on the right of the frame which are consistent with those from World War II era Ithaca production, this pistol lacks a serial number or any inspection and proof stamps. Multiple theories have been suggested for the existence of such pistols, including "lunch box guns" built from reject/overflow parts smuggled out of the factory one piece at a time by employees, "sample/tool room guns" made to serve as in house training and calibration references, and spare handguns kept on hand to be quickly swapped in if a numbered pistol was rejected by the inspector. Many samples and spares are also known to have been given as gifts to employees and company supporters once production wound down at the end of World War II and they were no longer needed for their original purpose. Features fixed serrated blade front and squared notch rear sights on top of the Ithaca marked slide, a blued barrel marked "P" and "HS" (High Standard), along with the U.S. property mark, model designation, and a "No" ("o" underlined) without a serial number on the right of the frame. Fitted with a short stamped and checkered trigger, a serrated slide catch, checkered narrow-spur hammer, serrated thumb safety, serrated arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop, a pair of checkered brown plastic "star/K" marked Keyes Fibre Co. grips, and a full-blued magazine marked "R" on top and "C-R" under the toe.

Manufacturer: Ithaca Gun Co

Model: 1911A1

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: parkerized/blue

Grips: plastic

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection
  • Condition: Very fine, retaining 80% original parkerized and blue finishes with some smooth brown patina on the balance, some light patches of oxidation, a patch of discoloration focused on the right rear side of the slide, minor wear, clear markings, and crisp grip checkering. The thumb safety needs work as it can drop the hammer when disengaged; otherwise, mechanically functions.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000