Originally patented in 1944 by Stanley M. Haight, the Sedgley Fist Gun, also known by the nomenclature "Hand Firing Mechanism Mark 2", has been the subject of great speculation and a certain amount of fantasy about its intended purpose and end users; some sources describe it as an assassination weapon, or attribute it to the Office of Strategic Services (to the point of actually being listed as "OSS Glove Pistol" in the ATF's Curio & Relic List), and in fiction they were featured in the film "Inglorious Basterds" (sic) being used by two of the titular commandos to eliminate a pair of Nazi sentries during their attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Per the original patent, Haight's pistol was designed with the regular soldier in mind first and foremost. Citing the prevalence of sneak attacks and hand to hand combat in warfare, Haight designed a weapon that could be ready and at hand at all waking hours, so even if a soldier was caught unaware or while separated from his regular service weapon, he could simply ball up his fist and make a good, loud response. Additionally, the original patent points out that any concealability was secondary to speed of deployment, actively distancing the Fist Gun from previously designed ''sneak'' weapons, and aside from using subsonic loads there is no on-board provision for noise reduction. Documentation of actual use in the field is virtually non-existent, though the Sedgley has been reported in/on the hands of WWII U.S. Navy Construction Battalion (Seabee) men operating heavy equipment like boats or tractors. The actual weapon is of blued steel construction and mounted to a curved steel plate, which bears the Sedgley nomenclature. For firing, a spring loaded plunger runs parallel to and an inch longer than the single shot barrel, with a small manual safety. After discharge, the soldier could use the on-board extractor to clear and reload, or keep hitting the enemy with the 1+ pound steel blunt instrument strapped to their hand. Traditionally seen attached to a sturdy leather work glove, this device is free standing, and lacks both Navy markings or a serial number; though not explicitly documented, this suggests an early production model or prototype.

Very fine, with 85% of the original blue finish, showing mild spotting, a few areas of brown patina and mild handling marks. Some of the screws show driver marks, and the action needs adjustment, as the firing pin does not extend out of the frame. An attractive and scarce item, one of the great oddities of World War II and the American military.