Original U.S. WWII VK-M12 Van Karner Chemical Arms Co. Brass Flare Signal Pistol - Dated July 1945

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of a rare VK-M12 37mm Flare Signal Pistol, made in 1945 by the Van Karner Chemical Arms Co. These are similar to other examples made by International Flare Pistol Co., however the grip is much more swept back. The design is covered under U.S. Patent 2,433,309, which was applied for on March 23 1944 and granted in 1947. It is also made almost entirely of brass, with other parts made of what looks to be galvanized steel. Flare pistols of this design were very popular with the U.S. Navy, as they were resistant to corrosion by the sea air. We have seen that these are often attested to have been used on PT Boats due to some having a "PT" marking on the side, but we have not been able to verify this.

The pistol still shows the model information embossed on the right side of the frame:

VK - M12
PARACHUTE SIGNAL GUN.
PATENTED.

The left side shows the manufacturer information:

MANUFACTURED BY
VAN KARNER CHEMICAL ARMS CORP.
NEW YORK, N.Y.

The pistol is 12 1/4 inch overall length with an 8 inch barrel, and has the standard "top
break" design used by most flare pistols. The condition is great with only light wear from service. The left side of the grip has what looks to be a date of PT 7/45, probably for July of 1945. The right side is marked with serial number B 772, and the barrel and frame are marked with assembly number 703 inside the breech.

In very good overall condition, in complete working order with a functional ejector and the firing pin still present. It even retains the original lanyard on the ring.

These flare guns were made for commercial and military wartime use. Imagine being stranded in a life raft, after the sinking of your ship by a U-Boat, the most valuable item in your survival kit may have been this flare gun. The gun has certainly seen service and an interesting life; if it could only talk... These are encountered fairly often, but are usually overly polished. Don’t let this one get away, this one actually looks as old as it really is.