Developed during and deployed in time for the Vietnam War, the M9 portable flame thrower unit was the final conventional flame thrower issued by the U.S. military. With tanks and a frame constructed from aluminum, the M9 is noticeably lighter and more compact than the previous steel constructed M2 series, while maintaining a similar capacity and projection range. It was phased out of service, along with surviving M2 units, in the late 1970s and replaced with the M202 FLASH incendiary rocket launcher. The tanks and frame are painted in OD green color, with a single high-pressure gas sphere feeding a combined dual-cylinder fuel tank assembly, a set of green web straps and backing fitted to the frame, OD green painted Chemical Warfare Services U.S.A. marked "-2" wand unit, and a brass identification ring between the gas sphere and fuel tank identifying the manufacturer as American Electric Incorporated, manufacture date as "6-64", and lists the serial number as "1132". Includes an extra ignition head with cut out for the two included BenzOmatic hand-held igniters, extra fuel tank cap, and three M27 service kit technical manuals. The service kit is housed in a green painted hardwood case, with a variety of spare parts and tools (both loose and sealed , including a number of different adapters for charging the gas cylinder, pressure test hardware, o-rings, adapters, spare wand barrel, and a scarce multi-function service wrench), along with a set of manuals for use with the kit with a few different models of U.S. flamethrowers; many of these components have been out of production for decades and can be difficult to find.

Very fine, retaining 80% plus original OD green paint with scattered light edge wear, handling marks, and flaking. M27 service kit and case are fine. The wand is missing a chunk from the igniter head, otherwise the grip safety, valve lever, and rod appear to be mechanically sound. A standout addition to any U.S. military collection with a seldom encountered service kit!