The following in information on this hard to find piece. This is a WWII US Army Air Force M-8 Pyrotechnics Pistol , ie: Flare Gun. The M8 was intended for issue to air crews for signaling, and saw use both with the Army Air Force and with some Naval aviators as well. The M8 was adopted in July of 1942 and saw use through the Korean War era.
The M-8 was a single shot, 37mm signal pistol with a double action lockwork. Like most signal pistols of the era, it utilized a break open action for loading and unloading. However, the pistol did not have an automatic extractor system. The pistol utilized a blued steel barrel and an alloy frame, which was finished with some sort of black enamel paint. The grips were checkered black plastic.
The pistols were marked in a triangle on the right hand side of the frame with the maker information, as well as date of manufacture and the model designation. The pistols double action firing mechanism functions flawlessly, and the barrel locking and release mechanism functions perfectly as well. The right side of the frame is clearly marked within a triangle E / CC / V over 19422 / U. PROPERTY / PISTOL PYROTECHNIC M-8.The initials EVCC represent the Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company , who produced M-8 pistols on contract for the US government during World War II. The back strap of the pistol is marked in a single vertical line: SERIAL No E-055307.
It has some wear and pitting consistent with age. There is a break to the plastic upper corner on the upper portion of the plastic handle. As we are not experts, please do look at the many pictures provided for best description. Fit and color are not guaranteed.
Many pictures are provided of the actual item you will receive. We provide ample pictures of the actual item and describe the item with care, please review in detail. Our items are often rare, collectible and vintage. Questions always welcomed and answered promptly.
We list with honesty/accuracy, but impossible to be an expert on everything. Items are preowned unless otherwise stated, may have minor imperfections. Thanks so much and Best of Luck!The item "1942 WWII US Army Air Force M-8 PYROTECHNICS PISTON Flare Gun EVVC Eureka Vacumn" is in sale since Monday, March 05, 2018. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\WW II (1939-45)\Original Period Items\United States\Field Gear, Equipment". The seller is "supertreasures" and is located in Anacortes, Washington. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Malta, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Japan, Sweden, South Korea, Taiwan, Belgium, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, Chile, Colombia, Costa rica, Dominican republic, Panama, Trinidad and tobago, Guatemala, El salvador, Honduras, Jamaica.