Item:
ONSV6119

Original U.S. WWII M8 Pyrotechnic 37mm Flare Signal Pistol by MSWC - Serial 276546

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition M8 37mm big-bore signal pistol, as used during WWII. The barrel has studs for attachment to a flare port in the fuselage of large aircraft such as bombers. The right side of the frame is marked inside a triangle:

M
S.W.C.
U.S. PROPERTY
PISTOL PYROTECHNIC M8

This example is offered in very good fully functional condition, and is marked on the spine of the grip with SERIAL No 276546, which is somewhat hard to read. Much of the original finish is present, though it is somewhat degraded and oxidized overall. This is true for the aluminum portions as well. It is marked with the U.S. Ordnance crossed cannons and "P" on the bottom of the grip.

This is a flare pistol, mainly used during and after WW2 in aircraft. Although intended to be mounted in the M1 aircraft mount, this flare pistol can be used as a conventional flare pistol. The barrel hinges down to allow removing a spent cartridge or loading a cartridge from the breech end of the barrel. But a grooved type cartridge can be loaded from the muzzle end of the barrel.

The pistol was designed during WWII to be manufactured by the Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Co. and so uses metal stamping instead of machined parts. The frame is cast aluminum. Contracts were also sent out to McInerny Spring and Wire Co. of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The two levers on the top of the barrel give it a very unique look. The top hook shaped lever when pulled back allows the pistol to be installed or removed from the M1 mount in an aircraft.

  • This product is not available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Cash For Collectibles