Original Item: Only One Available. Very good condition WWI Imperial German Model 1894 Hebel flare pistol in the standard 26.5mm caliber with a 9 inch barrel. Left side of frame is maker marked with B.P., a marking we have not been able to identify. Next to this is serial number 11832, and the bottom of the barrel no longer has any visible markings but we believe it has not been swapped out. There are also several small proof marks on the right side of the frame and barrel, including the German Imperial Eagle, and Crown over B for Beschuss = proof load fired. It is also marked with a 4 in a circle (4-Bore) for the flare size.
Metal finish is nice, with some areas of oxidation and light surface pitting, as shown. The wood grips have original finish and a good tight fit with some normal handling marks. Lanyard ring is still present (rare). Mechanically tight and dry fires well, with an intact functional ejector.
These were used by the German Military throughout both world wars, being used when signaling to German soldiers to go “over the top” when leaving their trenches and engaging Allied forces. German aviators often carried this type of flare pistol to shoot at British aircraft and then-hydrogen filled balloons.
A classic Great War German flare gun that will make a nice addition to your collection.