Ladies & Gents...a recent purchase, a rather large/cumbersome M1894 "Hebel" flare gun, the "Hebel" reference is not the maker of the pistol, (this gun was made by the firm "Dapag") but in German, refers to the lever action opening of the gun. It is fitted with front and rear sights, which is not the norm...When I bought the gun it was described as thus :- "WW1 German Air Force Luftstreitkräfte Balloon Pistol Flare/signal Pistol pistol of the Imperial Fliegertruppen. It has sights fitted so it could be used to fire flares/projectiles at British observation baloons and other aircraft. Has Dapag makers marks and low three digit Serial number.Deactivation certificate included, cocks and dry fires. There are theories to what else these could be used for including anti tank weapons and gas projectile pistols but Luft usage only one with solid provenance, it is identical to an example in the Berlin Technology Museum, which has the same description." However I have since been informed that many of these guns were re-issued in WW2 and these guns were fitted with front/rear sights......so a romantic view of the gun or a raw realisation of the needs in WW2 ? what do think ? These guns were carried by the German air service...I show a "holster" attached to the side of a Fokker aircraft.
It is of course deactivated to U.K. specs, but very crudely, just the hammer shaved and a large piece of rod welded at the begining of the breech/barrel, as a good friend said, "easily removed in 5 minutes"...and I said "and more than 5 minutes at her majesty's pleasure !"
I also show an example (not mine) complete with signal flare cartridges. Prost ! Steve.
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