Original Item: Only One Available. This is a good conditioned 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 to the rear of the safety lever on the left side of the frame, over a Luftwaffe “Stick Eagle” / 2 inspection mark. The tops of the barrels are both marked with a 4 in a circle (4-Bore or 26.72mm) 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 serial number 10114 on the forward lower portion of the right hand side of the frame, and the Luftwaffe part number F.L. 24483 is present on the opposite side of the frame. The same serial number is duplicated on the left underside of the barrel assembly. 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, normally 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 good condition, and has no functional issues that we were able to note. It breaks open and cocks correctly, and the barrel selector and safety are fully functional. The matte anodized finish on the ‘duralumin’ alloy is retained well, as is the bluing on the steel components, but the finish is heavily worn around the barrels and the frame. The two-piece black Bakelite grips are in good condition. They retain sharp checkering, with some 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. Ready to display!