Original British WWII SM No. 4 Mk. I Aircraft Flare Gun with Attachment & Switch by Webley & Scott - Serial 59373

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very scarce WWII British No. 4 Mk. I Aircraft flare gun, with locking lugs for aircraft install or barrel extension. The piece looks very peculiar, and is a modified British RAF No. 4 Mk. I Webley & Scott Flare gun. The piece measures 13¼ x 7¾”. This example was manufactured by Webley & Scott. 

These were primarily designed for use on RAF aircraft during WWII. It has distinctive locking lugs on the end of the barrel so it could be locked into a firing/locating bracket before being fired from the aircraft. This same feature is seen on many U.S. flare pistols of the time.

The pistol itself is of heavy steel construction, and a mixture of machined and cast parts. The barrel itself is cast and then machined on the front and inside, but not the sides, which gives it a rougher look. The left side of the pistol barrel is marked 12 (V) with several proof marks across the piece. The serial number 59373 is found on numerous parts of the device. This example even retains the power plug which would plug into the aircraft’s electronics to power it and allow for remote launching of the flare. The plug is marked to the Air Ministry and is in good shape, and would likely still function!

This is a very interesting variation of a scarce British flare gun, the second of this variation we have ever offered. Comes ready for further research and display.