Original WWII U.S. Navy Mark 5 Signal Flare Pistol by Vulcan with Holster and Cartridge Belt - dated 1945
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a 22mm parachute flare Signal Pistol, Mark 5, by Vulcan Mfg. Co. complete with a holster and cartridge belt. As part of consolidated wartime efforts, lifeboats for all sea going Merchant Marine vessels were to have a standard compliment of emergency provisions overseen by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). They in turn had direct coordination with the US Navy.
Various contractors such as Sedgley and Vulcan made two signals pistols for the US Navy: for the Bureau of Ships they supplied the 10-gauge Mark 5 with a 22mm bore, and for the Merchant Marine, the Mark-IV as approved by the USCG. Each service had a differing standard flare, the BuShips was 10-gauge and for Merchant Marine the 37mm parachute type.
On the top strap of the barrel it reads:
SIGNAL PISTOL MARK 5 VULCAN MFG. CO. 1945
The grips are marked USN on both sides, which is uncommon, as often the marking was removed when being sold out of Navy storage. The barrel, frame, and grip are all marked with part number 242692, each with a different number suffix. The pistol still retains the original firing pin, but the action is worn, so it does not dry fire reliably.
The original canvas holster is marked on the back:
SIGNAL PISTOL HOLSTER
Mk. 5
It is in good condition, with a functional snap and rear belt hooks. It does have some dirt and light staining, but nothing major. It is attached to a 10 Gauge ammunition belt, which has 32 loops for holding shells. The Mk. 5 uses 10 gauge shells, so it could easily use the hardware already designed for shotguns. This one is however specifically designated for signal cartridges. The belt is in unissued condition, complete with both sides of the buckle, and is marked and dated on the back:
"U. S. N."
SIGNAL CARTRIDGE BELT
MARK I
A. L. SIEGEL CO., INC.
1 9 4 3
Overall great collectible condition, a fine example with rare accessories, worthy of any WWII collection.
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