{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-u-boat-kriegsmarine-model-sld-1944-eeu-double-barrel-signal-pistol-flare-gun-1","title":"Original German WWII U-Boat Kriegsmarine Model SLD 1944 EEU Double Barrel Signal Pistol Flare Gun","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item; Only One Available. Offered in very good condition, this is a scarce model SLD - \u003cem\u003eSignal und Leucht Doppelschussmodelce\u003c\/em\u003e (literally ”signal \u0026amp; light double shot model).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pistol has a pair of 9 1\/4” barrels and a 4 3\/4” wooden fore-end to give the user a more secure grip when the pistol was fired. This double barrel flare pistol was manufactured in 4 bore and accepted 27mm flares with a variety of signaling and lighting purposes. To the rear of the left side is the safety lever, which exposes the word \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeuer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e for “fire”, when in the up position and the word \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSicher\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003efor “safe” when in the down position. The upper rear portion of the frame has a three-way switch to select the barrels that will fire when the trigger is pulled. The switch is labeled l for “left”, Doppel\/Schuss for “double shot” (firing both barrels) and r for “right”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pistol bears multiple Waffenamt proofs, as well as the correct \u003cstrong\u003e\"Eagle \/ M\"\u003c\/strong\u003e Kriegsmarine Waffen marking. The left side of the frame is stamped with the maker code, \u003cstrong\u003e“eeu”\u003c\/strong\u003e which represents the manufacturer; \u003cem\u003eLieferungsgemeinschaft Westthuringer Werkzueg und Metallwarenfabriken GmbH\u003c\/em\u003e, based in Schmalkden in Thuringia. Under the maker code is serial number \u003cstrong\u003e6718\u003c\/strong\u003e and to the right is date [19]\u003cstrong\u003e44\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDefinitely a well-marked example. Condition is very good, with most of the anodized finish still present on the \"duralumin\" alloy components. Other components are bright steel, which still have a lot of the original bright finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pistol was adopted by the Kriegsmarine (German Navy) in 1936 and remained in production until the end of World War II, with most estimates placing the total production at less than 10,000 units. While most German army flare pistols also accepted some sort of grenade or explosive charge, the Kriegsmarine saw little utility for such projectiles and used their flare guns strictly for signaling and illumination. The SLD model has a long association with use on NSDAP U-Boats, and the rarity and low survival rate of these guns is attributed to the fact that many went to the bottom of the ocean with their submarines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful opportunity to add a very rare U-Boat flare pistol to your collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40577122500677,"sku":"ONSV23SHS64","price":2195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23SHS64__01.jpg?v=1684338869","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-u-boat-kriegsmarine-model-sld-1944-eeu-double-barrel-signal-pistol-flare-gun-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}