Original item: Only One Available. This is a very rare example of the German WWII Kampfpistole (struggle pistol), also called the Kampfpistole Z, or "Z-Gun". It is a specialized flare gun introduced into German service during 1939 and served throughout World War II. It is a single shot, break action, flare gun designed and produced by Walther, and was based on the earlier Leuchtpistole 34.

Externally both the Kampfpistole and the Leuchtpistole 34 were nearly identical. The difference between the two models was the Kampfpistole had a rifled barrel while the Leuchtpistole 34 was a smoothbore gun. The Kampfpistole could be identified by a Z engraved on the barrel of the gun. Like the LP34, the Kamppistole's barrel and frame were machined from "duralumin" alloy, and had bakelite pistol grips. The primary roles for the Kampfpistole were signaling, illumination, target marking, or concealment with a smoke grenade. Later during World War II, explosive rounds were developed to give German troops a small and lightweight grenade launcher for engaging targets from close range which could not be engaged satisfactorily by infantry weapons or artillery without endangering friendly troops. It is this use as a lightweight anti-tank gun that really brought fame to the "Z-gun", making them highly desirable.

This example is maker marked ERMA-ERFURT 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. it has serial number 2421 above the trigger guard and on the barrel. It is nicely Waffenamt marked on the right side of the frame, with inspector number 280, the correct inspector for ERMA.

Completely Original German WW2 manufacture in good complete condition, with a good amount of the original anodized finish present on both sides of the pistol. The left side of the pistol has a lot more wear to the anodized finish, probably from cleaning, or maybe from the holster it was carried in. The steel components still have a good blued finish, with a bit of light peppering. The ring on the bottom for the lanyard is not removable as on the standard LP34, as these were not intended to be used in any type of "trip wire" setup.

We tested the pistol, and it breaks open correctly, and an intact and functional extractor. It closes correctly, and can be cocked and dry fired. The "loaded' indicator on the back of the breach is also still functional.

This is a great chance to pick up a very rare variant of the German LP34, the "Z-Gun" Kampfpistole. Ready to display!