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. A number, "236", is struck on the rear of the pistol, directly below the breech. The origin of this number is unknown; it is not consistent with known commercially added serial numbers, and given its intended role as an "anonymous" weapon, Liberators were traditionally not serial numbered at Guide Lamp for individual tracking.

Good, with some shallow pitting under abrasive marks visible on the grip area, mild handling marks and small areas of brown patina on the balance. Mechanically excellent.