This is a truly a unique example of a exceptionally rare WWII Ithaca Model 1911A1 pistol specifically made and presented to CAPT. Sheldon M. Smith, at the end of WWII, as noted in the excellent book; "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1920-45" by Scott Meadows. This pistol in all respects is an original, as manufactured Model 1911A1 pistol produced by the Ithaca Gun company. These pistols were produced towards the end of WWII, after Ithaca successfully completed their last U.S. Army contract. In all there were 53 pistols presented by the Ithaca gun company, with the first serial number range, being in the "IG 1-50" with only three pistols produced in the "XP" serial number range ever produced/presented by Ithaca as follows; serial number XP #1, presented to "CAPT. Charles M. Smith"; XP #2 presented to "Charles l. Smith" and XP #3 presented to Lieutenant Harry A Carey Jr. An interesting historical note is that both Charles L. and Sheldon M. Smith were the only two sons of Louis and Harriette Smith, who were the second generation of "Smith's" to own the Ithaca Gun company. Records indicate that the eldest son, Charles did serve in WWII as a USAAC Aviator and later became the Vice-President of the Ithaca Gun Company in the mid to late 1950s. The youngest son, Sheldon M. Smith, started working for the Ithaca Gun Company in 1934 and all through WWII, until he became Company President in 1955. So were these two pistols actually presented by their father to them? Regardless, the significance of the difference between the "XP" serial number range, versus the "IG" range has not been fully determined, however it is clear that there were only "3" such pistols ever made in this range, truly making these examples some of, if not thee rarest of the Ithaca Model 1911A1 pistols. This example has the standard "factory markings and frame markings of M 1911 A1 U.S. Army", however there are no other U.S. Army acceptance markings which would be correct as this example was not formally accepted by the U.S. Army. It has the correct WWII contract "HS" marked high standard barrel, late WWII checkered small parts with the correct WWII brown plastic grips with an original WWII, "S" marked blued magazine. This rare pistol is accompanied by a signed letter from Scott Meadows with an excerpt from the Ithaca Gun Company records, regarding the manufacture, history and origin of this pistol. This lot includes a reproduction brown kraft shipping box.

Excellent with 90% plus of the thin original dulite finish overall. The grips are excellent with nice sharp distinct checkering on both sides. Mechanically excellent. The letter has been nicely framed and will certainly compliment this rare pistol.