Conceived, developed, and manufactured in 1942, the "Flare Pistol, 45 Caliber" (FP-45) was designed as a cheap and disposable single shot pistol intended to be air dropped into German controlled Europe to give the citizens of the occupied nations a way to express their displeasure to the occupiers, and hopefully retrieve a better arm in the process. The Guide Lamp Division of General Motors was tasked to produce the pistol, which was constructed from a collection of sheet metal stampings and cast zinc components assembled around a smoothbore barrel. While inexperienced with arms production, Guide Lamp stepped up and cranked out over a million of the deadly little contraptions in a matter of months. The pistol is devoid of markings with two oiler holes on either side of the frame, along with a hollow grip and sliding door at the bottom for ammunition storage.

Excellent overall, retaining 90% plus original matte grey phosphate finish with a few light areas of spotting on the barrel and frame, light edge wear on the trigger guard, and mild handling evidence. Mechanically excellent.