Essex Arms 1911 Government Series 80 .45 ACP, In-the-White Steel, Island Pond VT Rollmark (1980s–1990s)
This Essex Arms Corp. 1911 is a full-size, Series 80–pattern .45 ACP build with the Island Pond, VT right-side rollmark and an unfinished in-the-white steel frame. It dates to the 1983–1999 era and was produced as an aftermarket receiver intended for custom builds. This example shows widespread cosmetic wear and pitting and will require parts replacement and professional restorative work to return to service, making it a practical base for a restoration project or a source of parts.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Not applicable; barrel not present.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal surfaces show widespread scratches and blemishing with many instances of pitting. The frame is unfinished in the white, and multiple small parts and fittings are not installed.
What’s Included
- Serialized 1911 frame/receiver only (stripped), with two cross-pins and an installed magazine catch assembly; no slide, barrel, grips, or other parts included beyond the magazine catch assembly
This Government-size 1911 frame features a full-size single-stack grip window and a non-railed dust cover consistent with the classic Government/Commander pattern. It retains GI-pattern rear frame tangs and a standard frame feed ramp for non-ramped barrels, offering a traditional foundation for a Series 80–compatible build.
Series 80 firing pin safety compatibility is built in, with the right-side lever clearance cut present. Core frame geometry is established, with sear and hammer pin holes, slide-stop and thumb-safety holes, and mainspring housing grooves and pin hole all in place. Two cross-pins and the magazine catch assembly are currently installed.
The frame remains in the white and was intended for custom work. Several small-frame components are not installed, including the plunger tube (staking holes are present) and the grip screw bushings. Non-factory fasteners are present at the lower grip area, allowing the next owner to select and install preferred hardware during the rebuild.
Right-side Essex Arms Corp. Island Pond, VT rollmarking identifies its origin in the USA during the 1980s–1990s. As noted, this pistol will require parts replaced/refreshed, and gunsmithing/restorative work will be required to bring it back into operation. It is well-suited for someone interested in restoring a handgun or for use as a parts platform.