WWII Walther ac Sternsignalpistole SL Leuchtpistole Light Flare Pistol 1941
SOLD FOR: $1823.53
LSB#: 210527BB44
Make: Carl Walther (ac manufacturer code)
Model: Sternsignalpistole, SL (Signal & Light)
Serial Number: 1947
Year of Manufacture: 1941
Caliber: 4-Bore/27mm Flares
Action Type: Break-Action Single-Barreled Flare Gun With Extractor and Loaded Chamber Indicator
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with “1947”, “ac / 41” manufacturer and date code, Kriegsmarine acceptance stamp, “Sicher” and “Feuer” at the safety (safe and fire). The bottom of the barrel is marked “1947”. The left of the frame under the grip is marked “1947”. There are eagle inspection marks on the right of the barrel and frame.
Barrel Length: 9″
Sights / Optics: None.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels. The grips have some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is light handling wear in the checkering, worn smooth at some edges. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This flare gun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are many scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent minor discoloration. The markings are clear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The pin heads have light wear, but no peening. Overall, this flare gun is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is a long, but smooth double-action. The loaded chamber indicator is a small pin in the breech-face which protrudes from the top of the frame behind the chamber when a flare is installed. We have not fired this flare gun. As with all used arms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: While this appears to be something out of a steampunk shop or video game, this is a purely functional flare gun for signaling and lighting. It was produced in 1941 by Carl Walther for the German Kriegsmarine, a time when Germany had not yet come to terms with their odds for success or their crippling material shortages. This four pound flare gun is made out of stainless steel and walnut, and the single barrel versions are more scarce than the later double barrel versions which were produced. That is, until the Germans decided that 6lbs of stainless steel could be put to better use elsewhere and the design was altered to use aluminum. Most all of these were issued and so, thanks to the Allied navies, many of them did not make it back to land. This example appears to have had a fairly gentle life for a piece of military equipment, especially one which would have spent some time in close proximity to salt water and it is in about Very Good-Fine condition with strong mechanics. With its striking appearance, size and weight, this would be a pretty neat item without its history, but we’re sure that collectors will find this to be a treat as there aren’t many left, they aren’t making any more, and their value will likely only go up. Please see our photos and good luck!