Original German WWI 1916 dated Druckknopf Flare Pistol by Jakob Kessler with Pioneer Regiment Markings & More Original Items

Original item: One of a Kind. This is a fantastic and rare German WWI Druckknopf (push button) style flare pistol, which has had a VERY interesting life. It is covered with various markings from different eras, and even has a lot of personalization on the inside of one of the grip scales. We have attempted to picture this, but we also have a nice transcription that was done by a prior owner.

The pistol measures 12 1/2 inches in overall length, with an 8 1/2 inch barrel, and shows wear from long service, and most likely arsenal reconditioning. It has the large push button on the left side of the frame, the design element that gave this model its name. It has a steel frame and barrel, and as far as we can see it is fully functional. It breaks open correctly, with a functional extractor, and dry fires as well.

The left side of the frame is maker marked J.K. over serial number 18701, for manufacture by Jakob Kessler of Suhl, Germany, a known maker of these pistols. However, there is also an an SA inside a rectangle on the side of the barrel, for Suomi Armeija (Finnish Army). This would indicate that it may have been sent as aid to Finland by Germany and used during the Winter War and Continuation War against Russia. Under this is a regimental marking of P – 7 – 1, indicating issue to a Finnish Pioneer unit.

The right side of the barrel also bears dates and proof marks, which we often do not see due to wear:

(Imperial Eagle)
B
( 4 )
11. 16
412

The 4 in a circle indicates a 4 bore, or 26.5mm, the standard size in use during WWI, WWII, and afterwards.

As mentioned previously, the inside of the right grip scale has a lot of markings on the interior, which we have not been able to completely decipher. They are quite hard to read, and we cannot guarantee that the transcription we have is accurate. It definitely looks to be from its time in Finnish service.

A fantastic collector’s item as well as a research opportunity! Ready to display!