For Sale: German WWII LP42 Flare Pistol, w/Holster

German WWII LP42 flare pistol in 26.5mm. Formally designated the Leuchtpistole 42 (literally Illuminating Pistol Model 42), this model replaced the LP34 model in 1943. Only two firms, Metallwarenfabrik C.u. W. Meinel-Scholer, Kligenthal/Sachsen and Waffenfabrik Hugo Schneider AG, Leipzig are known to have manufactured this model. Production continued through the rest of the war and is noted for the typical manufacturing shortcuts aimed at reducing costs and increasing speed seen in the later war years. The galvanized, stamped steel construction lends itself to weather resistance and ease of manufacture. The frame consists of two halves welded together without finishing machine work. The one-piece barrel is wrapped with steel that is welded to form a hinge that attaches to the frame, held in place with a single pin. No finish was applied to the metal, leaving a grey tone that tinges green with age. Single shot and single-action design with load indicator pin above and to the left of the hammer. The grips are brown Bakelite. No LP42 pistols are stamped with manufacture dates as typical with German small arms of the period.

The German WWII LP42 flare pistol seen here was manufactured by Waffenfabrik Hugo Schneider AG, Leipzig (later known as HASAG-Eisen- & Metallwerke GmbH) as evidenced by the ‘wa’ manufacturer’s code above the serial number on the left side of the frame. The only other markings on the LP42 is the Waffenamt stamped on the left side of the frame chamber. This mark, though worn, is legible and reads a partial W ‘aAA10’, which is the correct code for Hugo Schneider. The Waffenamt eagle is not visible, only a partial circle underneath the eagle remains above the Waffenamt number.

Overall, the LP42 is excellent in appearance with a few small spots of oxidation. The Bakelite grips show no wear and are not cracked. The bore is smooth and has a brown patina with no pitting. The action is strong and works as intended, the barrel release and catch work smoothly.

The holster is constructed of typical late war laminated leather with full grain outer layer, metal rivets, and white stitching. The leather is stiff but not brittle or fragile. The stitching is intact throughout; the cleaning rod strap and holder are in good condition (there is no cleaning rod). The left belt strap is partially torn at the top and bottom. The flap strap is marked ‘dlu/44’, indicating a 1944 manufacture date by Ewald Luenenschloss, Militaereffekten-Fabrik, Solingen. Some minor service marks are present.

Together with the holster, this Leuchtpistole 42 is a great addition to any German World War II military collection.

See pictures for overall condition. FFL or C&R required for purchase.