An scarce and original WW1 German 27mm Kdtur Lille (Kommandantur Lille) flare/signal pistol. This is a good example of a German Ersatz or substitute weapon that was manufactured during the Great War. Whilst Belgium was under German occupation these large flare pistols were produced at the Lille depot. As with most Ersatz weapons function and simplicity was key. It has a heavy steel barrel with side mounted push latch and a hinged opening. At the rear is a simple plunger cocking mechanism. They were produced to help supplement the short fall in standard weapons manufacture. Production numbers were very limited. It has the 'Kdtur LILLE' (Kommandantur Lille) contract stamp on the left wooden grip. The flare pistol has a 7 ¾” long steel barrel. The frame and barrel have matching serial number "8305", ‘5’ is repeated on the cocking lever. The action has a ‘D’ inspection mark. The flare pistol has smooth dark wood grips that are secured with two screw bolts. The wood is undamaged with just light bumps and bruises to be expected. The metal has even aged patina to be expected. The pistol’s grip frame is holed for lanyard. Deactivated to UK specification in 2020 the pistol cocks and dry fires. The price includes UK 2020 deactivation certificate and UK delivery. (NB UK deactivated flare/ signalling pistols do not need to be re proofed to the new UK/EU specification) D 5969
£395.00