Remington Rand 1911.A1 Demo pistol "The Deception"

[Ssteve]

Hello,

Just thought I'd share a quick experience with everyone in regards to a Remington Rand M.1911.A1 "demo" pistol that I was offered, but fortunantely I was able to photograph it. People will do crazy things to these guns to pass them off as originals just like any other collectable and I thought this was a good example to share.

Remington Rand produced approximately 145 demonstration pistols that were serial numbered 1 to about 145. These pistols were void of any serial number prefix or any other goverment markings. Most of these pistols probably were issued to employees or officials of the company.

Anyhow, thought I'd share a couple photographs of this pistol that will probably fool some unsuspecting collector someday.

[Ssteve]

The Deception

First the pistol was offered to me in an original Remington Rand factory box.

[Ssteve]

The finish

The pistol has been blued and appears to be in mint condition or in other words NIB (new in box).

However, most 1911 collector's will be tipped off by the blued finish because this pistol should be parkerized or a similar finish.

[Ssteve]

The serial number

If one was fooled by the finish. They will then notice the serial number of 66 which falls within the proper serial number range and that the pistol is void of all goverment markings.

[Ssteve]

The Scratches

Did anyone notice the scratches on the frame to the left of the serial number on the above photo?

Lets take a closer look........................

[Ssteve]

Frakenpistol

Clearly someone has literally screwed, blued, and tattooed this one.

The photos IMO clearly show the traces of a No prefix which shouldn't even be on a "demo" pistol. Someone has obviously buffed the serial number off and renumbered this pistol.

Just thought this was a good experience to share. Unfortunantly, someone, someday is going to pay easily over 2K for a $400.00 shooter. Hope you liked.

Steve

[Bill Grist]

Interesting

very interesting...BILL

[Alan Smith]

BTW: It is a felony violation of the GCA of '68 to obliterate or alter the gun's serial number, as was done by the faker. Thus, not only would the faker be in hot water as a civil matter of fraud with his victim but, if caught, would be in trouble with BATFE for messing with the serial number.

It's one thing for these guys to cold blue, refinish, swap parts, etc. just to screw collectors out of money, but things really go to the "next level" once they mess with a serial number.