^Lot 1415 DESIRABLE WWII U.S. GUIDE LAMP FP-45 LIBERATOR

SINGLE SHOT PISTOL. Cal. 45 ACP. NSN. Bbl. 4 1/8". The FP-45 (clandestine designation "Flare Pistol") Liberator pistol was proposed, developed, and began mass production at the U.S. Guide Lamp Division of General Motors in only 11 weeks, with the Joint Psychological Warfare Committee intending on air dropping loads of Liberator pistols to resistance and partisan groups in German occupied countries during World War II. The Liberator was never designed to be used for more than just a few shots, with its main purpose serving as a rudimentary, easily concealable, and cost effective pistol for resistance fighters to use against enemy personnel in order to secure more effective small arms. The frame is constructed of stamped sheet metal and features a removable plate on the butt for ammunition stowage. Milled smoothbore bbl. with cast alloy cocking piece. Front sight is integral to the trigger guard, with the square notch rear sight being integral to the sliding breech plate. CONDITION: steel parts have acquired a dull gray patina, exhibiting some spots of light to mild surface oxidation, with some striations from prior cleaning. Very bright bore. Proper manual mechanics. A desirable FP-45 Liberator pistol, whose influence would be seen with the CIA's "Deer Gun" during the Vietnam War. (25-5269/MLW). CURIO. $1,500-2,250.