From Factory to the Field:

Manufactured in February of 1943, the Ithaca Gun Co. Model 1911A1 No. 856682 is the 278th serial assigned to the company, highlighting a significant milestone in military firearms history. From the initial serial block 856405-916404, Ithaca had faced considerable challenges, completing just the first 60 pistols by December of 1942. An additional six pistols were finished in January of 1943, followed by 502 in February. By July of that year, the Ithaca Gun Co. was producing an impressive 10,000 pistols per month.

The early 'flaming bomb' stamp used by Ithaca Gun Co. is visible beneath the firing pin stop and on the top of the frame. This marking was struck after the pistol was finished in 'Du-Lite' blue. The orientation of the flaming bomb below the firing pin stop is often seen rotated 90° in either direction. Additionally, the bomb location on the frame was soon relocated to the recoil spring channel.

Approximately the first 30,000 - 35,000 1911A1 pistols manufactured by the Ithaca Gun Co. were finished in Du-Lite. After the frame and slide were sandblasted, this Type III black oxide finish was applied to conform with then-current military standards. 

The Du-Lite finish was quickly replaced by parkerizing, a Type II phosphate finish, in July 1943, as required by the Ordnance Department.

Records from the United States Marine Corps, preserved in the National Archives, show serial number 856682 listed with 9 other .45 automatic pistols on an equipment transfer,  signed for by Maj. F.T. Clarke Jr. on April 13, 1946. 

The Guard Company of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing was outfitting a Military Police unit while stationed in northern China. This document, which includes inventory items outfitting the 1MAW unit, was located by the Archival Research Group.