Ithaca M1911A1 "Solley Special – Dover Ohio" Custom-Engraved .45 ACP, 5-inch, A.D. Swenson Ambidextrous Safety, Adjustable Target Sights
This custom Ithaca M1911A1 stands out for its extensive scroll engraving and the right-side slide legend "SOLLEY SPECIAL – DOVER OHIO." Built around an Ithaca WWII-era slide and finished as a later custom, it features a Swenson-marked ambidextrous thumb safety, beavertail grip safety, a long three-hole trigger, and target sights. It comes with a fitted wooden presentation case, adding a refined way to store and display the pistol.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There is slight finish loss on the frame and discoloration on the grips.
What’s Included
- Ithaca M1911A1 "Solley Special – Dover Ohio" custom-engraved pistol
- 1x 7-round 1911 single-stack steel magazine
- Spare diamond-checkered wood grip panels (not installed)
- Fitted wooden presentation case with felt-lined interior
The slide and frame flats display extensive ornamental scrollwork, with an engraved panel at the rear of the slide. The right slide is engraved "SOLLEY SPECIAL – DOVER OHIO," while the left side carries the "ITHACA GUN CO., INC. – ITHACA, N.Y." rollmark. The build uses an Ithaca WWII-era slide on a later custom foundation, combining classic lineage with bespoke finishing.
Controls are thoughtfully updated for precision use. It wears a Swenson-marked ambidextrous thumb safety, an extended/beavertail grip safety, and retains a half-cock notch. The long, three-hole skeletonized trigger complements the spur hammer for a clean, familiar 1911 interface. The checkered magazine release, arched mainspring housing, and round checkered recoil spring plug round out the handling details.
Sighting is handled by a fully adjustable target-style rear sight paired with a tall front blade. The slide sports rear-only vertical cocking serrations for a traditional profile. White checkered grip panels are installed, providing a striking contrast to the engraved steel and confident purchase in the hand.
Chambered in .45 ACP with a Government-length 5-inch barrel, this single-action, steel-frame 1911 maintains the classic 7+1 capacity. It includes one single-stack steel magazine. Designed and made in the United States, it presents a distinctive custom take on an Ithaca-pattern M1911A1.