Conceived, developed and manufactured in 1942, the "Flare Pistol, 45 Caliber" (FP-45) was envisioned as a disposable weapon, to be thrown en-masse out of the back of low-flying aircraft in occupied nations, boxed with ammunition, a text-free "comic strip" instruction sheet, and a dowel rod to serve as an extractor. Ideally, an oppressed citizen of the occupied land would find the pistol, ambush a German with it, and take their much nicer service weapons for further mischief and mayhem behind the main lines. The pistol is devoid of markings, with two oiler holes on the right side of the frame, three on the left, and a hollow grip for ammunition storage (sans floorplate).

Very good. The exterior is a mixed brown and gray patina overall, as well as the correct usual barrel welds and texturing of the zinc cocking knob. Mechanically excellent.