Need Help with ID of WWI German Signal Pistol?

[Poloberst]

Bill, your cartridge collection is something else. Excellent.

[mactec]

More interesting info...thanks gentlemen.

[copdoc]

I suppose you had not heard of the US 60 caliber machine gun

Yes, aware other rounds with a bore diameter of 60 caliber but I meant to use the Van Karner 60 Calibre gas ctg. It is just a bit smaller than a 28 gauge shot shell at the base and the case diameter appears to be the same.

[Poloberst]

Now that's a lot of gas. And it was for a commercial/civilian application? Whew.

[copdoc]

Now that's a lot of gas. Whew.

That is a bunch. I hate shooting blast dispersion rounds form a 37/38mm gun as you are always going to get it on you and in your mask. Shooting 3 rounds out of this with no mask and you had better be downwind. Flares would be OK. Not all of these old tear gas rounds were loaded with CN or CS and some were loaded with very noxious material. careful if you shoot or even store them. Boxes are about the neatest ammo boxes ever made. Thanks for the info Poloberst. Neat catalog. I would like to see other pics from it.

And it was for a commercial/civilian application?

Van Karner made flare guns for the US military but made less than 300 of these 3 barrel scheintot pistols. All have S/N between 3700 and 4000. I have read that they were put in a fitted case with cartridges and given to military leaders who might influence the purchase of his flare pistols. I have only seen one other pistol and never seen a case.

See "Gun Collector Digest" 5th Edition.

Here is the Van Karner. I can take a better pic later.

[grshaw9]

I have a Van Karner Official gas gun, in a presentation wooden box. What can you tell me about it ??