Name/Title
Flare Pistol, Type AN-M8Entry/Object ID
2014.1.59Description
37mm Flare gun, M8 made by McInerney Spring and Wire Co. of Grand Rapids, Michigan
United States Army Air Forces Type AN-M8 Flare pistol; stamped aluminum frame; black Bakelite (plastic) pistol grip; steel hinged 37mm breech loading barrel; thumb barrel release and gun cock handle on top
This is a flare pistol, mainly used during and after WW2 in aircraft. Although intended to be mounted in the M1 aircraft mount, this flare pistol can be used as a conventional flare pistol. The barrel hinges down to allow removing a spent cartridge or loading a cartridge
from the breech end of the barrel. But a grooved type cartridge can be loaded from the muzzle end of the barrel.
Designed during WW2 to be manufactured by the Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Co. and so uses metal stamping instead of machined parts. The frame is cast aluminum.
The two levers on the top of the barrel give it a very unique look. The top hook shaped lever when pulled back allows the pistol to be installed or removed from the M1 mount in an aircraft.Firearm Type
Flare GunCataloged By
Chris CausleyAcquisition
Accession
2014.1Source (if not Accessioned)
Chris CausleyFirearm Detail
Manufacturer
McInerney Spring & WirePlace Made
City
Grand RapidsCountry
Kent CountyState/Province
Michigan* Untyped Place Made
United StatesDate Made
circa 1941 - circa 1945Time Period
World War TwoLocation
Location
Tall Display Case
Display Case D* Untyped Location
Main Hall NorthCategory
ExhibitCondition
Overall Condition
Very Good
