Flare Gun Forum

I believe this is a French Pinfire pistol designed to fire fireworks cartridges. Perhaps one of the flare cartridge collectors have an example they can picture.

A pinfire cartridge which looks like a shot shell with a window on it is loaded into the chamber. The paper end of the shell extends out of the breech with the window pointed up. When fired the " fireworks " shoot out of the window up 90 degrees into the air from where the pistol is aimed.

These fireworks can be used for signalling like a flare. If anyone knows more about this type of pistol please let us know.

Are there any markings, including under the wooden grips?

Hello, No markings I can see. I never removed the grips.

Hi

i found on a militaria - meeting in Germany this green signal- cartridge in cal. 12 ga. The system is the same, as the Mählmann - Patent from 1894. I think, this is the cartridge for the french pinfire pistol.

very nice !

This forum is great !