Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice condition 37mm WWII International Flare Signal Co. Flare Pistol. Some collectors refer to this as the "Model 52" not because it was designed in 1952 but that at one time this gun was part of the International No. 52 marine distress signal kit.

Break open operation, featuring steel, brass, and nickel construction. The pistol is embossed on both sides of the crosshatch grip in raised letters: INTERNATIONAL FLARE SIGNAL CO. / TIPPECANCE CITY OHIO. 10 3/4 inch overall length with an 8 3/8 inch barrel. Excellent markings and condition with only a few very minor surface blemishes. The right side of the frame is marked with serial number 23731 and dated DEC '43. Rarely do these pistols bear wartime dates! It also has matching numbers 22 on both pieces of the brass frame. In very good overall condition, in complete working order with a functional ejector and the firing pin still present.

This example is a bit different than most, as the bottom of the grip has had the lanyard and loop removed, and it is instead attached to an iron or steel display "award mount", often used when a memento is given to a departing service member. The base plate looks to be part cast and part machined, and measures 13 3/4" x 4 7/8". It has a zinc or maybe lead spacer that goes under the end of the grip of the flare pistol, and screws from the other side secure it, though at present it is a bit loose.

The base is embossed with JONES POINT RESERVE FLEET, for the "mothball" fleet that was moored at Jones Point on the Hudson River, near Stony Point, NY. Dozens of World War II ships were moored in the Hudson River from 1946 to 1971. Administered by the Department of Commerce, they were used to store grain and fuel and other commodities. In April 1971, these reserved ships, known locally as the "mothball fleet," were sold or scrapped.

These flare guns were made for commercial and military wartime use. Imagine being stranded in a life raft, after the sinking of your ship by a U-Boat, the most valuable item in your survival kit may have been this flare gun. The gun has certainly seen service and an interesting life; if it could only talk... These are encountered fairly often, but are usually overly polished. Don’t let this one get away, this one actually looks as old as it really is, and it comes with an award mount that tells an interesting story. Ready to display!