Original German WWII LP 34 Heer Signal Flare Pistol by ERMA-Erfurt with Damaged Holster and Cleaning Rod – Dated 1942 Original Items

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 It superseded the previous LP28, which was made of all steel, as part of a continuing evolution of Walther-designed flare pistols.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 is maker marked ayf on the left side of the frame, for manufacture by the legendary ERMA-Erfurter Maschinenfabrik B. Geipel GmbH of Erfurt, a German weapons manufacturer founded in 1922 by Berthold Geipel. Prior to and during World War II it manufactured many firearms, including the Karabiner 98k, the MP40 and other submachine guns. Below this is it stamped with the manufacture date of [19]42, and it has serial number 7595h above the trigger guard and on the barrel. It is nicely Waffenamt marked on the right side of the frame and barrel, with inspector number 280, the correct inspector for ERMA.

Completely Original German WII manufacture in very good complete condition with mid war flat-sided black bakelite checkered grip panels with rounded edges. The pistol is very clean, and still has a good finish on most areas. It does have some wear and fading in the anodized finish on the usual contact points. The steel components still have their original heavy blued finish, with some spots of rust. It still has the original screw in lanyard ring base, which were often lost, though this one still has the cotter pin inside to prevent removal. 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. Unfortunately the “hinge” for the lid a strip of leather that is riveted on to the flap and body has given way, so the flap is detached from the body. The sides and bottom of the holster are also leather, as are the straps and buckle loops. The holster is overall in worn condition, and definitely shows use. The leather is now quite stiff where it is intact. The underside of the top flap is marked gxy 1944, for manufacture by Gebrüder Klinge, Lederwarenfabrik, of Dresden-Löbtau, a known holster producer during the war. Also included is a very nice cleaning rod with a steel handle and aluminum end rammer. It is unmarked, and has a spring clip attached, probably needed as the original holster retainer strap is missing.

A fantastic complete set, ready to add to your collection and display!