British WWII Molins Mk 2 no 5 1' Very Pistol

These were standard issue to the RAF in WWII and were supplied with both one-man and multi- place dinghies to enable downed RAF aircrew to attract the attention of passing aircraft or ships. They were also carried by fighter pilots tucked into their flying boots so to hand if required in an emergency. This example is numbered 087963 whilst the hammer is stamped M 601. Online research indicates this is a manufacturers mark indicating it was made by I.L. Berridge & Co, who were a commercial knitting machine manufacturer based in Leicester. Berridge apparently made over 200,000 examples of this model during the war and were issued to the RAF, Navy and the Army.

This example shows some pitting to the barrel and frame and the original blued finish is largely worn away but it remains a good solid display example of a model that is getting increasingly hard to find now.. It is broad arrow marked and the lug on the left side of the barrel enabled RAF aircrew to lock the pistol into a locator fitted to the aircraft fuselage so a flare could be discharged from within. The pistol cocks and 'fires' with a very positive action and the grips remain in good condition, as is the retracting lanyard loop. This flare gun comes complete with a deactivation certificate indicating it was deactivated back in 2003 and is therefore legal to own in the UK by anyone over the age of 18 without a firearms certificate. This class is fortunately outside of the over the top revised deactivation regulations introduced by out EU 'masters' this year. It is hoped after 'Brexit' our Government will see sense and abolish these draconian regulations that are a nightmare for both collectors and dealers alike. Interestingly the Deac certificate indicates it was made by Enfield so we stand to be corrected on this if our Berridge information is inaccurate. An identical example is illustrated in Mick Prodger excellent reference book 'Luftwaffe V RAF Flying Equipment of the Air War 1939-45' on pages 68 & 69 and it measures 8" (20 cm). Please note this item is only available to customers based in the UK, due to difficulties in shipping weapons overseas and as stated is restricted to collectors aged 18 or over.

Please also check out the (empty) WWII flare cartridge tin we have also listed today that would be a perfect display accompaniment to this flare pistol.