Item Description
Original Item: Only one available. This is a very nice WWII-produced example of the Australian military Mark III* flare pistol, as issued and used during the last part of World War I and early in WWII by British and Commonwealth Forces. The rig comes complete with an original 1943 dated leather holster with maker markings, and “DD Broadarrow” Australian Military proofmarks. This particular Mark III* signal pistol was produced by The Colonial Sugar Refinery of Sydney.
The Mark III signal pistol was adopted in 1911, as an improved version of the earlier Mark II pistol, which had been adopted in 1905. Like the previous Mk II pistol, it was a brass flare gun with a tilt-down, break open loading mechanism and a single action lockwork. Although the Mark III remained in production through the end of World War I, it had in fact been superseded by the Number 1 and Number 2 signal pistols which were manufactured from steel instead of brass. These patterns were adopted in 1915 and utilized many of the same parts as the Webley Mark VI service revolver. During the production of the Mk III signal pistol, at least five companies including WW Greener, Wolseley (Sheep Shearing Co.), Chubb (very rare – only 500 contracted for), Cogswell & Harrison and Webley & Scott.
The left side of the frame is marked in three lines: CSR Logo / Sydney/ "D (Broadarrow) K”/ III / starburst emblem / 41. The frame and barrel are both marked with Australian Ordnance Department proof and inspection marks.
The signal pistol is in very good used condition. All of the markings on the frame and barrel remain crisp and clear. The brass frame components have a nice used look, with some mustard patina around the muzzle. The steel components do not show any rust or pitting, and the trigger and hammer have almost all of the original bluing present.
The action of the pistol functions great, though it is a bit stiff. The breech still closes tightly and securely and the shell extractor functions as it should when the pistol is broken open. The single action lock work is mechanically excellent and the rebounding hammer functions correctly as well. The flare pistol retains the original iron lanyard ring and swivel in the brass butt. The checkered hard rubber grips are in good condition.
The holster included with this pistol is the standard brown leather large holster used during both WWI and WWII complete with shoulder strap. It is in very solid condition, with a maker marking above the closure stud on the front of the holster: M.H. & Co. / 1943 / D (broadarrow) D.
Overall this is really fantastic looking example of a really fine Mark III* signal pistol that comes complete with a matching WWII Australian period leather holster and fabric lanyard! This would be a fantastic addition to your collection of World War I militaria or of military flare pistols.
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- No sales in NJ. 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.
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