FLARE GUNS & LINE THROWING GUNS FOR COLLECTORS:
Note that while these were made after 1898, special provisions in federal law exempt them from the normal post-1898 handgun FFL procedures, and they can be ordered just like an antique firearm, without need for a FFL so we are listing them here:

**NEW ADDITION** 7104 BRITISH SCHERMULY ROCKET PISTOL APPARATUS (SRPA) LINE THROWING GUN - Serial number 20148 made circa 1940-1960. This is the “International Number 2” size unit, using 41mm rockets, with 15 7/8” barrel. Made by Schermuly on a brass framed signal (flare) pistol No.1 Mk III* with the addition of a steel barrel and handle. Schermuly made similar devices for three different sizes of rockets, 30mm, 41mm or 50mm diameter, although all used the same 1 inch (25mm) “ignition-ipulse” cartridges. The rocket has a “U” shaped wire frame attached to it, hinged to allow it to hang down below the gun before firing. A short wire leader is attached to the U-frame and the “shot line” is attached to the wire, keeping it far enough from the rocket exhaust to avoid being burned. The rocket is inserted into the barrel, and a “impulse-ignition cartridge” is inserted into the breech of the gun. When fired, the flash from the cartridge ignites the rocket motor which then travels up to 250 yards. Expanding gases from the ignition cartridge also help expel the rocket from the gun. When the rocket reaches the shore, or the vessel in distress, the light weight shot line is used to haul over a larger line to carry out rescue operation. For more information on William Schermuly and all other types of line throwing guns, see my article in the Bulletin of the American Society of Arms Collectors at https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2015-B111-Line-Throwing-Guns.pdf Overall fine condition, although bore is dirty, and some scrapes on the barrel paint. Breech end of the barrel has British Broad Arrow property marking ink stamped, so this was likely used by the Royal Navy or RNLI, probably circa WW2 to 1970s. Technically this is not a “firearm” and no FFL is needed. Upper photos show the gun for sale; lower photo shows a different gun with a rocket so you can see what they look like. NO FFL required. $575.00 (View Picture)

22157 RED FLARE PARACHUTE SIGNAL- KILGORE #52 - “P52 PISTOL PROJECTED PARACHUTE RED FLARE DISTRESS SIGNAL APPROVED BY U.S. COAST GUARD 160.024/2/4, manufactured by the Kilgore Dorporation, Toone, TN, division of International Flare Signal .” is ink stamped on the thin aluminum case of the flare signal The short aluminum cartridge case headstamp identifies the maker and patent info along with date of March 1989, and expiration date of September 1992 is ink stamped on side. This is a 37mm cartridge with the case about 1 1/8” long and overall length of 7 1/8”. Loaded, live round, but due to age and expired status sold as display item only and not safe for actual use. See photo for details. These were used with the International Flare Signal and Kilgore Model 52 flare guns, and probably all the other heavy 37mm flare guns with barrels about 8 inches long. $22.00 (View Picture)

20873 U.S. LINE THROWING GUN- KILGORE MODEL GR-52 - Serial number 617 with USCG approval 160/040/4/0 as marked on the frame. Theoretically, the approval number should allow dating these to within a five year period corresponding with the date of USCG approval under section section 160.040 covering life saving appliances. However, no complete list has been found of all approvals, so with only a few scattered examples the best I can do is estimate that this was circa 1960s-1980s, but I believe the basic model dates to 1952. This is a “Schermuly” type life saving line throwing gun which uses a small pistol type launcher firing a stubby “impulse-ignition cartridge.” Before firing, a rocket motor with an attached wire frame sticking back for attachment of the “line” is inserted in the muzzle. When fired, the impulse ignition cartridge flash ignites the rocket motor and kicks the rocket out on its way. The basic concept was invented by Richard Schermuly, a British seaman and inventor around the beginning of the 20th century. However, despite its simplicity, low cost, and effectives (so easy a young child could use it) the concept was not adopted until 1929 by the International Conference for Saving of Life at Sea Treaty (SOLAS). Multiple types of line throwing devices have been invented over the years since 1807 when George Manby came up with a mortar for the purpose of line throwing, followed by David Lyle’s cannons in the 1870s and shoulder fired guns by Ingersoll, Coston and others in the0s and later. Ships still carry line throwers in various configuration, and they are also widely used by firefighters. Today most ships have switched to Schermuly type rockets, but fired from a single-use plastic canister which is not subject to regulation as a “firearm” by gun-phobic foreign governments. As life saving devices, with the bore obstructed by small projections to prevent firing of projectiles but not interfering with the launching of the line throwing rocket, the Kilgore GR-52 is not considered a firearm and no FFL is needed to purchase. Overall fine to excellent outside with most of the gloss black paint finish remaining. The bore has corrosion from firing and poor cleaning, or maybe just exposure to salt air for extended periods. I discovered that it is missing the extractor, but since no one has the impulse cartridges or rockets any more who cares. These have a handle on the top of the barrel to help hold it when firing, not so much for the very limited recoil, but because the gun with rocket inserted is heavy and you want it under good control when on a heaving deck of a ship in distress. I have done a lot of research on various line throwing guns, and would be happy to share a copy upon request, or will try to post it on our other site, ArmsCollectors.com, and it will eventually be posted at http://ASOAC.org for whom it was written and first published. Price for Kilgore GR-52 line throwing pistol and one fired case is $265.00 (View Picture)

21712 FLARE GUNS & SIGNAL PISTOLS: THEIR USE, DESCRIPTION AND ACCESSORIES - By Robert M. Gaynor, 178 pages 8.5” x 11” soft covers. This book is the best single reference on this subject for collectors today. In fact, except for brief passage in obscure manuals, or discussion of a gun or two the scope of a more general work there is nothing conveniently available on this subject. Given the number of people who collect flare guns it is amazing that there is not more written on the subject. At this point, flare guns are still mostly modestly priced, and remain an attractive collecting field with few regulations and a good variety of items. Some 96 different Flare or Signal pistols are covered, with dimensions and some historical background and information on maker and the intended use. This is on the same page as a good sketch of the item. There is not much information on total numbers made or other indication of relative rarity, but it is a good starting point for further research. The drawing allow you easily identify your gun with the one in the book. There is a drawing and info for each of 37 U.S. flare and signal guns, ranging from Civil War Army and Navy models up to late 20th century commercial products. He also covers 11 British or Canadian designs, 9 French, 17 German, 4 Italian, 3 Japanese, 6 Russian/Eastern European designs, and 9 from other countries. Besides the guns Gaynor covers 29 holster or carrying kits, and 19 different types of cartridges, along with a 10 page table with more detailed info on cartridges. An excellent bibliography and good index complete this book. This is a very useful and accurately researched book on this specialized topic, which we use every time we encounter any flare or signal gun, and one that anyone interested in Flare or Signal guns needs in their library. OUT OF STOCK- OUT OF PRINT- LOOK ON USED BOOK LISTS- WORTH THE SEARCH!

20426 RED STAR PARACHUTE SIGNAL- KILGORE #52 - “# 52 RED STAR PARACHUTE SIGNAL APPROVED BY U.S. COAST GUARD MERCHANT MARINE INSPECTION manufactured by the International Flare Signal Division of the Kilgore Mfg. Co. Tipp City, O.” is ink stamped on the thin aluminum case of the flare signal The short aluminum cartridge case headstamp identifies the maker and patent info along with date of May 1945,and also stamped on the flare case bodynear the mouth. This is a 37mm cartridge with the case about 1 1/8” long and overall length of 7 1/8”. Loaded, live round, but due to age and apparent poor storages sold as display item only and not safe for actual use. See photo for details. These were used with the International Flare Signal and Kilgore Model 52 flare guns, and probably all the other heavy 37mm flare guns with barrels about 8-8.5 inches long. $25.00 (View Picture)

9485 WW2 VINTAGE WOOD SHIPPING CRATE FOR 10 GAUGE RED VERY SIGNALS - This originally had 24 boxes of 10 rounds each, but is now empty. (ten boxes are shown in place to illustrate the proper packing layout, but are NOT included). Stenciled on both sides: SIGNAL KIGHTS MK 2 VERY RED STAR IN CARTONS CODE- 20020-B LOT- [number painted over]/ Just the thing to spice up your flare gun collection. Overall excellent condition. No lid. Other than the 10 boxes of ammo inside, what you see is what you get. $40.00 (View Picture)