Produced from 1942-1945 by the Guide Lamp Division of General Motors, the Liberator was issued the nomenclature "Flare Pistol, 45 Caliber" in order to obscure its true purpose; to be airdropped in occupied territories and be used by disgruntled citizens and resistance fighters to eliminate a German soldier and steal his weapon. Designed with cost first in mind, the roughness of the weapon is little penalty if it is used properly; on a lone, unaware target, at very close range, preferably in the dark. This is a three hole model that was made from sheet metal stampings that were spot welded together on top of the smooth bore barrel, and fitted with a cast zinc cocking knob with integral guide pin. The grip is hollow to store additional rounds, but the cover is absent.

Good, with a fine brown patina overall, traces of rust around the breech, and scattered spotting and handling marks. Some of the welding in the backstrap is coming loose. Missing floorplate. Mechanically excellent.