Original German WWII Luftwaffe Double Barrel Flare Signal Pistol by Krieghoff – Dated 1942 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 the maker code fzs, the code assigned to the extremely famous Heinrich Krieghoff Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory) in Suhl, Germany. After WWII, the company reformed as simply the “Krieghoff” company in Ulm, Germany, and still exists today. The ordnance code is located under the date 1942 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 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 20163 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 L offered here is in very good display condition. The anodized finish on the ‘duralumin’ alloy is retained well, as is the bluing on the steel components. The pistol breaks open correctly, with the ejector still presenting. Mechanically it does have a fault in the connection between the lever and the workings of the action, so it no longer cocks the two triggers or moves the safety. We are not sure whether there is something in the way, or whether a connector is broken.

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 a very nice 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 gun makers in the world, and Krieghoff arms are extremely desirable due to their incredibly high quality and standards of production.