What people don't realize about Union Switch and Signal is the care and work they put into their 1911s. it relates to their main business. Railroad signal equipment. The nature of railroad signaling is that it has to work right, not only does it have to work right, but it has to do so 24/7/365 or trains crash and MANY people could perish. US&S employees were extremely serious about the fit finish and quality control on their products, they had to be. it shows in their M1911A1
I carried one in the Navy; it was the smoothest most accurate with a tight continuous group at 1100 inside the bullseye every single time at the range. I to this day wish I have it.
I was in USN 1978-84. I was a gunners mate on a fast frigate stationed in San Diego. Maybe 20-25 1911 on board. Several made by Union Switch and Signal.
I currently do security at Hitachi Rail (formerly Union Switch & Signal) in Pittsburgh and I was very curious on the history of the company. I was pretty surprised to come across this information and it is widely unknown to current employees. Of all the history of US&S, George Westinghouse and Giovanni Ansaldo they have here I kinda wish they would’ve had one of these pistols on display.
Ok...MrColt45acp...you are the unofficial youtube MASTER of 1911's...Nobody i've seen has come CLOSE to delivering this kind of history on this great series of pistols....Thank you sir!
I inherited a "lunch box" US&S 1911 A-1 a few years back. The only identification on the pistol was the logo on the slide. No numbers, acceptance marks nothing . It has a two tone finish on the slide, the front third accepted the finish differently because of the flame hardening. I used a micrometer on the frame and found no divits where numbers were removed. Shoots well, rattles a bit but accurate.
Fascinating as always.I continue to be in awe of your wealth of knowledge of the 1911's.It is unreal how many different companies changed and retooled to start production of weapons and ammunition.Thank you Sir.
Doesn't surprise me that these are the best of the 1911's, RR equipment manufacturers make their equipment to survive the test of time. I sold my 1911's, should have kept my US&S, only reason I bought was because I was a locomotive engineer and I wanted it for the RR connection, but I wanted to focus on one certain kind of collecting, which is German Mauser K98K's. Great video, thanks for sharing, your quite knowledgeable.
I saw a US&S 1911 at a gun show years ago. I don't remember exactly how much the vendor was asking for it, but I do remember that it was under $1000. This must have been about 17 years ago or so.
I know this takes a lot of research to put these high quality videos up. We greatly appreciate it and the wonderful history of these beautiful weapons. Great job as always. I am Ram Ro.
I don't think these get enough get enough attention. I think the slide and the gun itself are nothing but quality. Only one that may be ahead of it and it cost a hundred times more you think about it
Hi, I have 1911 that predates the RCP stamp from grandpa. Serial number 269347. Would it be possible that this made it into the war without the stamp? Trying to do a wee bit more history on Grandpa and was just wondering.
+Frank Pollock my USS has a Dura-lite bluing and this gun has'nt been buffed out at all, you can still see every machine mark on it. Ser. # 1055522 made late 1942.
🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥 I purchased a 1911 A1 a few years back with a US&S upper and a Remington Rand lower. Still looking for a US&S lower if anyone can help me...Thanks.
Thats about market for an arsenal rebuild; should have an arsenal stamp on the frame such as AA or RIA. Otherwise its considered a parts gun and value drops to 800.00-1000.00 dependent on condition.
If the pitting is really minor and the finish of the slide and frame matches, it could be a good buy, especially with an arsenal rebuild mark. The price should reflect any defects.
What people don't realize about Union Switch and Signal is the care and work they put into their 1911s. it relates to their main business. Railroad signal equipment. The nature of railroad signaling is that it has to work right, not only does it have to work right, but it has to do so 24/7/365 or trains crash and MANY people could perish. US&S employees were extremely serious about the fit finish and quality control on their products, they had to be. it shows in their M1911A1
It was my duty weapon in the Navy it had Dolphins on it, the most accurate best shooting pistol I have ever had the privilege to use for years.
I just took ownership of one of these today and it's great to learn more about the history of the company that made it, thank you.
I carried one in the Navy; it was the smoothest most accurate with a tight continuous group at 1100 inside the bullseye every single time at the range. I to this day wish I have it.
They also made the world’s first mass produced Railroad crossing bell, the model 15-A “Teardrop” bell.
I was in USN 1978-84. I was a gunners mate on a fast frigate stationed in San Diego. Maybe 20-25 1911 on board. Several made by Union Switch and Signal.
Finding these videos 10 years late but am loving them!
one of my favorite handguns. i love anything in .45 as my screen name suggests, those two 1911s are beautiful
I currently do security at Hitachi Rail (formerly Union Switch & Signal) in Pittsburgh and I was very curious on the history of the company. I was pretty surprised to come across this information and it is widely unknown to current employees. Of all the history of US&S, George Westinghouse and Giovanni Ansaldo they have here I kinda wish they would’ve had one of these pistols on display.
Ok...MrColt45acp...you are the unofficial youtube MASTER of 1911's...Nobody i've seen has come CLOSE to delivering this kind of history on this great series of pistols....Thank you sir!
I inherited a "lunch box" US&S 1911 A-1 a few years back. The only identification on the pistol was the logo on the slide. No numbers, acceptance marks nothing .
It has a two tone finish on the slide, the front third accepted the finish differently because of the flame hardening. I used a micrometer on the frame and found no divits where numbers were removed. Shoots well, rattles a bit but accurate.
It's amazing what I learn watching RUclips gun videos. I had no idea about these or the Singer 1911s.
Fascinating as always.I continue to be in awe of your wealth of knowledge of the 1911's.It is unreal how many different companies changed and retooled to start production of weapons and ammunition.Thank you Sir.
Im 70 yo. And my mother worked at the switch. She assembled the 1911's. She used to tell me they bragged about their qualuty
Another awesome video for us 1911 fans!
Really interesting info! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Doesn't surprise me that these are the best of the 1911's, RR equipment manufacturers make their equipment to survive the test of time. I sold my 1911's, should have kept my US&S, only reason I bought was because I was a locomotive engineer and I wanted it for the RR connection, but I wanted to focus on one certain kind of collecting, which is German Mauser K98K's. Great video, thanks for sharing, your quite knowledgeable.
I saw a US&S 1911 at a gun show years ago. I don't remember exactly how much the vendor was asking for it, but I do remember that it was under $1000. This must have been about 17 years ago or so.
I know this takes a lot of research to put these high quality videos up. We greatly appreciate it and the wonderful history of these beautiful weapons. Great job as always.
I am Ram Ro.
I’d like to get one of those mainly because my Grandmother worked there.
Thanks again for the history lesson. Keep 'em comming-please.
I inherited one from my dad. It’s in a safe place. I don’t remember the number… but it’s almost mint
I love mine! Love your videos
Thank so much for another great video
A+ work ... thanks for the info
Excellent !!!
Great video, thanks for sharing :)
Next series...
Waiting
excellent info
I don't think these get enough get enough attention. I think the slide and the gun itself are nothing but quality. Only one that may be ahead of it and it cost a hundred times more you think about it
I Like Colt 1911 pistol.
I’d love to own a U.S.&S. 1911a1. Last gun show a guy had one for 15k...
My brother just bought one on a government website(he's retired military) for $2,500
That's too much
Where did you go?
Hi, I have 1911 that predates the RCP stamp from grandpa. Serial number 269347. Would it be possible that this made it into the war without the stamp? Trying to do a wee bit more history on Grandpa and was just wondering.
BTW - jwylie@forensicsworx.com if you need to converse further. 1911 hasn't been shot in over 50 years..
Did they ever blue USS 1911s?
+Jonathan Ledwich better late than never
+Frank Pollock my USS has a Dura-lite bluing and this gun has'nt been buffed out at all, you can still see every machine mark on it. Ser. # 1055522 made late 1942.
All Union Switch and Signal 1911a1s were originally a matte blue. None were originally parkerized.
🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥 I purchased a 1911 A1 a few years back with a US&S upper and a Remington Rand lower. Still looking for a US&S lower if anyone can help me...Thanks.
Waiting
Bloke colt rocks the duece
Slt...Rare et très peu connu par rapport à Colt, Remington reste aussi Ithaca, une Arme, une Légende.....Merci...Cdt
VERYGOOD VERYGOOD
25 3 63 @THAILAND
@taofledermaus how had i not thought of this?!
@MrColt45acp hey sir! my father have an US&S 1911a1. but the slide already replaced with new one.how much do you think can he sell his gun?
my mom made them
What if it doesn't say RCD and says FJ 4 or FJ A ???
Thats a US&S slide atop a Remington Rand frame.
Kelly Garrou how much worth paying? The guy was asking 1,200
Thats about market for an arsenal rebuild; should have an arsenal stamp on the frame such as AA or RIA. Otherwise its considered a parts gun and value drops to 800.00-1000.00 dependent on condition.
Kelly Garrou
Thanks so much , the gun also had slight pitting
If the pitting is really minor and the finish of the slide and frame matches, it could be a good buy, especially with an arsenal rebuild mark. The price should reflect any defects.
I had a chance to buy a lunchbox union switch and signal
I did not have 4 grand to buy it thoe
✌️😜 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫✌️😜
1 billion dollars
that’s some garbage roll marks
Thanks so much for another great video