ONLINE ENCORE - Militaria Auction
Lot 1228:
Description
A remarkable piece of World War II weapons history, a FP-45 Liberator pistol. This single-shot .45 ACP pistol was designed by George Hyde and manufactured by General Motor’s Guide Lamp Division in 1942. As a deceptive tactic, the military named it FP-45, labeling it as a Flare Projector. These pistols were designed to be air dropped to resistance forces in occupied territories. Constructed from 23 stamped sheet metal parts and a smoothbore barrel, this “insurgent” pistol was designed for extreme close-range (25-50 feet) to procure a superior weapon. This specific Liberator has never been fired and still holds the ten original 1944 dated, steel cased .45 cal rounds. It has an “F” inspection mark neat the cocking mechanism. Included is the extremely rare, original-style pictorial instruction sheet detailing the loading and firing sequence, along with an original cardboard box featuring the iconic line-drawing graphic. Overall, the pistol exhibits aged patina from storage. The trigger and action are tight and functional. The instruction sheet shows folding creases and light staining from storing with the pistol. The waxed cardboard box does show wear from handling and storage, with the lid torn off, but still present. This is an extremely rare find, especially with the original box and manual, since these were disposal weapons. Please see photos for overall condition. Part of the John Bannister Collection. Gun in Box: H 6.75″, W 5.5″, D 1.25″. C&R Eligible S/N: None
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