Designed to be inexpensive, deadly at close range, and expendable enough to be thrown out of an airplane without the benefit of padding or a parachute, the Liberator, under the code name "Flare Pistol, 45 Caliber" was produced from 1942-1945, and intended to be scattered in quantity in occupied areas so disgruntled locals could make life more interesting for their oppressors. Constructed chiefly from sheet metal, in the later three-hole configuration with a cast zinc alloy cocking knob and a hollow grip for ammunition storage. With 2 copies of the text-free "comic strip" instructions that would be included with the pistol when dropped.

Fair, showing a mixed brown and gray patina overall, along with some mild pitting and dings. The cocking knob shows a few mild casting flaw cracks. Mechanically fair.