This Model 1911A1 semi-automatic pistol was manufactured by the Singer Manufacturing Co., in November 1941. In April 1940, the Ordnance Department awarded Singer Educational Order No. W-ORD-396 to manufacture 500 Model 1911A1 pistols along with appropriate machinery for mass production of the pistols. Singer completed the order in November-December 1941 and the 500 Singer M1911A1 pistols were shipped to Springfield Armory. Most of the Singer M1911A1 pistols were issued to the Army Air Corps. Although Singer was awarded a contract for 15,000 additional M1911A1 pistols, it was determined that Singer's manufacture of M5 and M6 Fire Control Directors was a better utilization of Singer's facilities. The 15,000 pistol order was transferred to Colt. The 500 M1911A1 pistols manufactured by Singer in 1941 are the rarest and most desirable variation of the M1911A1 pistol. The pistol slide and frame have the high polish Du-Lite blue finish that distinguishes Singer M1911A1 pistols from other World War II contract M1911A1 pistols. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "S. MFG. CO./ELIZABETH, N.J.,U.S.A.". The right side of the frame is roll-stamped: "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" above the serial number: "NoS800071" behind the slide stop hole. "M 1911 A1 U.S.ARMY" is roll-stamped on the right side of the frame in front of the slide stop hole. "P" proof marks are stamped on the left side of the frame above the magazine release button and on the top of the slide (facing the left). The "JKC" Ordnance Inspector's mark is stamped on the left side of the frame below the slide stop cut-out. The mainspring housing has the fine checkering found on Singer mainspring housings. The trigger is the short style with milled face and Du-Lite finish. The short wide spur hammer has fine border-less knurling on the spur and polished Du-Lite finish. The 1924 style slide stop and safety lock are checkered and have the Singer Du-Lite finish. The barrel bushing and recoil spring plug have a Du-Lite finish. The receiver feed ramp is polished bright. The barrel is a replacement with High Standard (HS) markings on the right side of the lug. The brown plastic, checkered stocks are Keyes Fibre Co., replacements with reinforcing rings around the screw holes, interior strengthening ribs and "K/Star" markings on the insides. The replacement full blue, flat bottom magazine has an "S" (Scoville Mfg. Co.") on the top of the floorplate lip. The pistol is accompanied by a World War I magazine pouch that contains one "R" marked, blued, flat-base replacement magazine, a World War II pistol belt and a russet leather M1911 holster that has been modified by cutting off the top flat and removing the brass finial.