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 Krieghoff firearms company Ulm, Germany. The ordnance code is located under the date 1943 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 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 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 excellent mechanical condition and functions perfectly, with a very crisp, tight action. It is however missing the screw on the rear left of the receiver.

Most interesting however are the small areas on the left side of the barrel which look to be melted into the aluminum. One of these even makes a hole into the bore of the left barrel, and interior deformations can be seen under the other marks. We so not know what caused this damage, but it does not appear to have been intentional. Rather, it looks like battle damage. Perhaps a magnesium or phosphorous round went off, and showered the area with hot shrapnel, which melted the aluminum. This definitely adds to the history and character of the pistol.

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 amid-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 word, and Krieghoff arms are extremely desirable due to their incredibly high quality and standards of production. It would be very difficult to upgrade this pistol and find one in nicer condition.