Original British WWII 1941 Dated MkIII* W.W. Greener Brass Flare Gun – Serial 1770 Original Items

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice WWII-produced example of the British military Mark III* flare pistol, as issued and used during the last part of World War I and early in WWII by British and Commonwealth Forces. This example was manufactured by W.W. Greener in Birmingham in 1941. It is stamped with the serial number 1770 on the right side, under the shell-extractor tab, and under the barrel when opened. There are also several proofing marks. Not Available for Export.

The action of the pistol functions great, though it is a bit stiff. The breech still closes tightly and securely and the shell extractor functions as it should when the pistol is broken open. The single action lock work is mechanically excellent and the rebounding hammer functions correctly as well. The wooden grips are in good shape with some bumps and nicks but no major damage. The brass of the barrel is a bit tarnished from age and use with some verdigris in spots across the pistol. The swivel-lanyard ring is still intact and shows heavy darkening.

The Mark III signal pistol was adopted in 1911, as an improved version of the earlier Mark II pistol, which had been adopted in 1905. Like the previous Mk II pistol, it was a brass flare gun with a tilt-down, break open loading mechanism and a single action lockwork. Although the Mark III remained in production through the end of World War I, it had in fact been superseded by the Number 1 and Number 2 signal pistols which were manufactured from steel instead of brass. These patterns were adopted in 1915 and utilized many of the same parts as the Webley Mark VI service revolver. During the production of the Mk III signal pistol, at least five companies including WW Greener, Wolseley (Sheep Shearing Co.), Chubb (very rare – only 500 contracted for), Cogswell & Harrison and Webley & Scott.

Overall this is really fantastic looking example of the iconic British Mark III* signal flare pistol, ready for further research and display.