Ithaca 1943 Lend Lease photo

[Promo]

Most of the LuxDefTec Thompsons were sold to Germany. The M1911A1s that fly around in Austria were ex Lend-Lease pistols from the U.S. and carry BH (BundesHeer) markings. The interesting thing is that there are all kinds of manufacturers among them, even several US&S. Somehow on nearly all pistols the frame does not "match" the slide (different manufacturers), I've even heard that there are some that do not carry any S/N at all.

Some years ago additional M1911A1s were found hidden by US agents during the "cold war" time, there must also have been piles of M3 shoulder holsters. Most of the found weapons were M3 grease guns covered in a strange wax-like paper for preservation.

[Johnny Peppers]

Since the Model of 1911A1 Lend-Lease pistols carried no special markings, all the pistols being discussed may not be Lend-Lease. Quite a bit of aid in the form of small arms was provided after WWII ended to equip police departments, but the Lend-Lease Act was ended by President Truman in August of 1945.

[theholeinthedonut]

Most of the LuxDefTec Thompsons were sold to Germany. The M1911A1s that fly around in Austria were ex Lend-Lease pistols from the U.S. and carry BH (BundesHeer) markings. The interesting thing is that there are all kinds of manufacturers among them, even several US&S. Somehow on nearly all pistols the frame does not "match" the slide (different manufacturers), I've even heard that there are some that do not carry any S/N at all.

Some years ago additional M1911A1s were found hidden by US agents during the "cold war" time, there must also have been piles of M3 shoulder holsters. Most of the found weapons were M3 grease guns covered in a strange wax-like paper for preservation.

Are there many around teh gunstores you can buy?

[Promo]

The Russian government was provided with Tons of M1911A1s and Thompson MP's. Since the Russian did not have any .45 ACP for them they were just kept in storage until recent years when they were sold to big European arm dealers. They do not carry any markings at all as they were never used.

[Johnny Peppers]

The 1911A1 pistol was still being shipped to England literally up to the day the war ended in Europe, and while some may have been used, the vast majority were never used.

[tark]

But a lot of 1911A1 pistol are stil in ukrainian depots

[Scott Gahimer]

The Russian government was provided with Tons of M1911A1s and Thompson MP's. Since the Russian did not have any .45 ACP for them they were just kept in storage until recent years when they were sold to big European arm dealers. They do not carry any markings at all as they were never used.

The Russian Lend-Lease pistols that have managed to return to the U.S. (that I have seen) are marked with German proof marks, which were required by law, in order to be sold on the commercial market.