Item Description
Original item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful 1938-dated example of the classic German Wehrmacht LP-34 signal flare pistol, which was designed in 1934. Unlike most of our offerings, it comes complete with an original cleaning rod and leather holster, which is dated 1937. The Leuchtpistol 34 has an aluminum alloy frame and barrel with steel moving components, uses 26.5 mm flares, and was finished in black anodized aluminum. Steel components were blued. It superseded the previous LP28, which was made of all steel, as part of a continuing evolution of Walther-designed flare pistols.
The change to the "duralumin" reduced the weight of the pistol by 0.730 kg, and also partially prevents internal corrosion due to gun powder residue. The overall machine work of the components was improved over the LP28, and the wood grips were replaced by checkered bakelite. Most importantly, the trigger guard was made significantly larger, so that the pistol could be used easily even with a gloved hand.
This example bears original maker mark Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (Thür) over the famous WALTHER banner and 1938 date. This company, based in the Thüringen (Thuringia) region of Germany, needs no introduction. They developed this design of flare pistol, making several versions of it. They also designed numerous famous pistols, including the PP/PPK line, and the P-38 9mm pistol that replaced the P-08 Luger. The company still exists to this day.
The pistol has matching serial number 3718 / d above the trigger guard and on the barrel just by the hinge. It is nicely Waffenamt marked on the right side of the frame and barrel, with inspector number 359, along with various other inspection and proof marks. These are the very early pre-war markings, and include the letters B, S, and U under crowns, as well as 4 in a circle for "4 bore" size 26.72mm, and a "spoked wheel". The "B" stands for Beschuss = proof load fired.
Completely Original German WWII manufacture in very good complete condition with pre war flat-sided brown bakelite checkered grip panels with rounded edges. The pistol is very clean, though use and cleaning have removed most of the original anodized finish, even on the interior of the action, so it may not have been well applied at the factory. The steel components still have their original heavy blued finish. It still has the original screw in lanyard ring, which were often lost. The threaded hole allowed the pistol could be mounted to a device that allowed remote firing from a nearby tree or fence, sometimes with a trip wire.
The included holster is the standard heavy black soft shell holster used throughout the war. It is in very good condition, just like the flare pistol, and appears to have seen a good amount of service, though not an excessive amount. The black finish is in very good condition, though there is cracking and wear, particularly to the securing straps for the lid and cleaning rod. It is maker marked under the flap by ERNST KURZ / STUTTGART, and is dated 1937 under this. It has Waffenamt (Eagle) / WaA101 stamped under this, for an inspector that inspected holsters in the Stuttgart area. The holster still has both belt loops as well as the D-rings on the back for the shoulder strap, however no strap is included.
The included cleaning rod has a steel handle, and aluminum end rammer. It has an early "stick eagle" Waffenamt WaA300 stamped into the top of the handle, and it is also marked (G.L.) 38 on the other side, probably a maker marking and date. It also has a spring clip attached to the handle with a small leather strap, something we rarely see, that enables the cleaning rod to be attached elsewhere if needed.
A fantastic complete set, ready to add to your collection and display!
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Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.
All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).
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