Original Item: Only One Available. Very good condition WWI Imperial German Model 1894 Hebel Leuchtpistole flare pistol in the standard 26.5mm caliber with a 9 inch barrel. Left side of frame is marked is marked with the manufactures name of CHR. F., standing for Christoph Funk of Suhl, Germany. Below this is the serial number 12728, which is also marked on the bottom of the barrel. There are also several small proof marks on the both sides of 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 – 26.72mm – 1.052 inches) for the flare size.
Metal finish is worn with a nice worn gray patina, with signs of light peppering. Wood grips have original finish and a good tight fit with some normal handling marks. Lanyard ring is still present (rare). Mechanically tight and excellent, though the catch sticks a bit. When we received this, we were told that it was on display in a VFW hall for decades, but nothing came with the pistol to support this.
These were used by the German Military throughout both world wars, being used when signalling to German soldier 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.