In 1939, the Singer Sewing Machine Company produced 500 M1911A1 pistols as part of a contract with the U.S. War Department. The contract was an “educational order” aimed at learning how to manufacture weapons by companies that had no previous experience. Singer was challenged with producing 100 guns a day, but they were unable to meet that production rate. Nevertheless, the War Department was impressed with the quality of the pistols — which were noted for their high quality and craftsmanship — and shifted Singer to producing more complex war materials, including aviation-related components, navigation and targeting equipment, and parts for the B-29 bomber. Today, Singer M1911A1 pistols are considered rare and highly sought after by collectors.
