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.

Very good, displaying a generally smooth gray patina with some spotting and shallow pitting overall. Mechanically excellent.