Designed during World War II for Royal Air Force high-altitude bombers, this flare pistol's unusual design allows it to be loaded and fired from within a host aircraft without compromising the air tight integrity of a pressurized cabin. The breech section features a safety selector lever with positions marked "SAFE" and "FIRE." The top cover of the valve section is marked with a partial S.T.I. number in white paint, which would identify the type of aircraft the pistol was assigned to.

Very fine overall, with original finish, scattered handling marks, light edge wear, and scattered spotting. Mechanically excellent.