Adopted by the U.S. Army Air Forces and the U.S. Navy in July 1942 with production ending in the 1950s. Right side of the aluminum frame has the factory/U.S. markings inside a triangle: "E / V / CC / V / 1942 / U.S. PROPERTY / PISTOL PYROTECHNIC M-8". The serial number is stamped on the back strap. Steel barrel and checkered black plastic grips, with the butt stamped with the letter "P" and an ordnance cartouche. Complete with an original WWII canvas holster marked on the back "40 / 7072 / 141 / DCN-4" with an original canvas cartridge pouch with 12 rare original WWII flare cartridges (most are dated 1945), and a flare cartridge casing dated 1952.

Fine. The frame retains 90% original blue finish with some minor flaking and some minor thinning. There is some minor pitting and spotting (mostly on the left side). The barrel has a smooth gray patina with minor spotting. The grips are very fine with some minor scratches along with a few minor nicks in the overall crisp checkering. The pouch is good with some stitched repairs along the bottom edges and some minor stains. Holster is very good with missing straps and some minor stains.