Lot 206

WWII Presentation Inscribed U.S. Ithaca Model 1911A1 Pistol

Previous image preload Next image preload

WWII Presentation Inscribed U.S. Ithaca Model 1911A1 Pistol

Estimate: $9,500 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $8,500

(0 Bids)

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

Scarce, Well-Documented, Historic World War II Presentation Inscribed U.S. Ithaca Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number "ITHACA EXP.#3" Manufactured in 1945, this is a scarce presentation Model 1911A1 from Ithaca Gun Co. inscribed to Lieutenant Henry A. Carey Jr. who was born in 1920 in Ithaca, New York. He is listed as having been a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy during World War II and an ace credited with downing seven enemy aircraft in combat. He is also noted as having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The presentation of this pistol indicates that they special pistols were awarded by the company to local heroes of World War II. On p. 128 of "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1920-1945" by Meadows it is noted that three of these presentation pistols were produced serial numbered "XP.#1", "XP.#2", and "EXP.#3", all of which were inscribed with the names of their recipients. These pistols are believed to have been assembled in conjunction with a series of 50 pistols with "I.G." serial number prefixes, which were intended for presentation to company officials. This particular pistol is pictured on p. 133 of the previously mentioned book. The pistol itself shows most of the standard markings and features of the standard production Ithaca Model 1911A1 pistols. The left of the slide is marked with the two-line Ithaca, New York address while the right is unmarked. The right of the frame is factory engraved with the inscription "LIEUT. HENRY A. CAREY JR" over the special serial number "ITHACA EXP.#3". The barrel is marked "P" and "HS" on the left and right of the lug respectively. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, narrow checkered hammer, long grip safety, a pair of checkered Keyes Fibre grips, and an "S" marked full blue magazine.

Manufacturer: Ithaca Gun Co

Model: 1911A1

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: parkerized

Grips: plastic

Serial NumberITHACAEXP.#3

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Very fine, retains 75% of the original parkerized finish with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, some scattered faint darker surface freckling, and some minor scratches including a takedown mark. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered light blemishes on the crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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