Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition U.S. Coast Guard No.160 Rescue Line Throwing Pistol, based on the British Schermuly Pistol Rocket Apparatus. Like it's British counterpart, this example by Killgore Corp., is based on a standard flare pistol, in this case the Kilgore Model B. The frame and mechanism are the same, with a large steel barrel mounted to the front. This would be loaded with a rocket cartridge from the front, and an ignition/propulsion charge would be loaded from the back. This allowed the recoil to be minimized, as the rocket motor provided most of the propulsion.
Of note is that the Kilgore-made examples have 4 studs protruding into the barrel, preventing a standard flare cartridge from being loaded, a feature not seen on other designs, including the Schermuly. We checked functionality, and the pistol breaks open correctly, with the ejector presenting, and it dry fires correctly. These originally would have a galvanized finish on the frame, however they are usually seen like this, overpainted entirely with gloss black to protect it from corrosion. It measures about 19 inches in overall length, and is quite heavy.
The side of the frame has the correct U.S. Coast Guard approval markings, reading U.S.C.G. APPROV. / NO. 160 040/4/1, and below this it has the KILGORE CORPORATION / MOD B / TOONE TENN. maker mark. There are some other proof marks, as well as serial number marking SER NO 1457 on the side of the frame.
No longer in service, these represented a major breakthrough in sea rescues. They could be loaded with different cartridges depending on what the intended target is, and many were used after their maritime service by fire departments to throw lines for hoses and other equipment.
A very nice example, ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
