Conceived and developed 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 has two oiler holes on the left side of the frame, one on the right , and a hollow grip for ammunition storage.

Excellent overall with 95% original gray phosphate, some areas of a darker brown discoloration, and small scratches and dings throughout.