Original item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful 1938-dated example of the classic German Wehrmacht LP-34 signal flare pistol, which was designed in 1934. Unlike most of our offerings, it comes complete with an original cleaning rod and leather holster, which is dated 1941. The Leuchtpistol 34 has an aluminum alloy frame and barrel with steel moving components, uses 26.5 mm flares, and was finished in black anodized aluminum. Steel components were blued. It superseded the previous LP28, which was made of all steel, as part of a continuing evolution of Walther-designed flare pistols.
The change to the “duralumin” reduced the weight of the pistol by 0.730 kg, and also partially prevents internal corrosion due to gun powder residue. The overall machine work of the components was improved over the LP28, and the wood grips were replaced by checkered bakelite. Most importantly, the trigger guard was made significantly larger, so that the pistol could be used easily even with a gloved hand.
This example bears original German maker code S/237, which stands for Berliner-Lübecker Maschinenfabriken Bernhard Berghaus of Lübeck, a German weapons manufacturer. During World War II it manufactured many firearms, including the Karabiner 98k, the GEW 43, Kar 43, and various parts for the MG 34 and 42. Below this is it stamped with the manufacture date of 1938, and it has serial number 4123 / a above the trigger guard. It is nicely Waffenamt marked on the right side of the frame and barrel, with inspector number 214.
Completely Original German WII manufacture in very good complete condition with early war flat-sided brown bakelite checkered grip panels with rounded edges. The pistol is very clean, and still has almost all of the original anodized finish on the aluminum components. Also, the color has not faded to green or brown, as it would if subjected to a lot of wear. The steel components still have their original heavy blued finish. It still has the original screw in lanyard ring, which were often lost. The threaded hole allowed the pistol could be mounted to a device that allowed remote firing from a nearby tree or fence, sometimes with a trip wire.
The included holster is the standard heavy black soft shell holster used throughout the war. Unlike most however, this is actually made mostly of “Prestoff”, an imitation leather made from pressed paper. We have never seen one of these holsters intact before, and they are generally rarely seen. The “hinge” for the lid a strip of leather that is riveted on to the flap and body, and the sides and bottom of the holster are also leather, as are the straps and buckle loops. It is in excellent condition, just like the flare pistol, and does not appear to have seen much use in service. The black finish is in very good condition, and there is minimal cracking and/or wear. It is maker marked by Ehrhardt & Kirsten of Leipzig, and is dated 1941. The included cleaning rod has a steel handle, and aluminum end rammer. It has Waffenamt marking (Eagle) / WaA716 stamped into the top of the handle.
A fantastic complete set, ready to add to your collection and display!