The Singer Manufacturing Company produced exactly 500 M1911A1 pistols under a US military Educational Order contract in 1941 as part of a wartime program to develop second-source pistol manufacturers. Singer — primarily known for sewing machines — produced arguably the finest-quality M1911A1 pistols ever made. These 500 guns are among the most valuable US military small arms in the collector market, routinely selling for $50,000 to over $100,000 at major auctions. Type: Pistol Action: Semi-Automatic Caliber: 45 ACP Capacity: 7 Year introduced: 1941, USA Weight: 39 oz Overall length: 8.5" Status: Discontinued Military use: Yes Intended use: military, collector, historical