Original German WWII Luftwaffe Double Barrel Flare Signal Pistol by Emil Eckoldt of Suhl Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent condition example of the Luftwaffe Flieger-Leuchtpistole L or Aviators Flare Gun L. These double-barreled, 26.5mm (4 Bore) signal pistols were issued to Luftwaffe aircrews in order to give them a method of communication that did not rely on their radio transmitters.

This pistol is marked with ECKO for Emil Eckoldt of Suhl, Thüringen. They are noted as a maker of sporting guns, signal pistols, and small-arms components. We have had several flare pistols by this maker before, using their abbreviation “ecko” or using the letter code. The maker mark is located to the rear of the safety lever on the left side of the frame.

The tops of the barrels are both marked with a 4 in a circle (4-Bore) over the Luftwaffe Eagle acceptance mark. This same proof appears on the rear of the receiver between the L and R barrel selector marks, and is covered when the selector switch is in the middle or “both barrels” position.

The signal pistol is marked with the serial number 24880 on the forward lower portion of the right hand side of the frame, and the Luftwaffe contract number Fl. 24483 is present on the opposite side of the frame. The serial number is duplicated on the underside of the barrel. The gun has a frame mounted safety with Fire and Safe markings.

The pistol uses a break open design that is activated by pushing the release lever, located under the trigger guard, forward. This action releases the locking lugs, opens the action, cocks the pistol and automatically sets it on safe. After closing the action, the shooter can use the selector switch on the rear of the frame to determine whether they want to fire the Left barrel, Right barrel or both barrels simultaneously, by pulling the split trigger.

The Flare Gun is offered here is in very good condition. The pistol retains about 95%+ of its original blackened phosphate finish, with most of the wear and finish loss confined to the sharp and high edges and the muzzle crowns, along with a few minor handling nicks and scratches. The pistol is in decent mechanical condition and functions but the barrel selector moves freely.

The two-piece mottled reddish-brown Bakelite grips are in excellent condition. They retain sharp checkering, with only the most minor handling and finish wear. They are free of any of the breaks, chips or cracks which often mar Bakelite grips, especially when they are nearly 70 years old!

Overall this is simply a wonderful example of a mid-war production NSDAP flare pistol that will look fantastic in your display of WWII militaria. It was produced by one of the most famous aircraft makers in the world. It would be very difficult to upgrade this pistol and find one in nicer condition.