Original Item: Only one available. This is a very nice heavy brass French signal pistol from the First World War. It is chambered for French 25-mm flare cartridges. It does not accept the 26.5-mm cartridges currently available nor commercial 1-inch cartridges. The bore diameter is 26.9 millimeters.
This is one of several different French signal pistols with the M1917 model designation: this version has a 4-inch barrel. The barrel and frame are brass; the trigger, hammer, opening lever, internal parts, and lanyard ring are steel. The grip panels are wood with a diamond checkering. The top of the barrel is marked DÉPOSÉ, with maker CHOBERT-PARIS on the right, and address 16. RUE LAFAYETTE on the left.
The signal pistol is in very good used condition. All of the markings on the frame and barrel remain visible, though there is a bit of wear in areas. The brass frame has a lovely patina, and the steel components have an aged speckled look. There definitely is wear, and a piece of the right grip scale is missing. The single action hammer and trigger work great, and the breech opens and locks closed with the lever on the right side. The lanyard attachment point on the trip is still present, though the ring itself is missing.
A very nice example, ready to add to your collection!