Make: International Flare Signal Co.
Model: 52
Serial Number: 26132
Year of Manufacture: May1944
Markings: Each side of the grip carries "INTERNATIONAL FLARE SIGNAL CO / TIPPECANOE CITY OHIO" directly cast into it, and the right side of the frame is marked "26132 / PT MAY ‘44".
Barrel Length: 8" Round
Caliber: 37mm
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is cast brass with checkered panels on each side. The grip shows scattered discoloration, light nicks and scratches, and general handling wear. Overall, the grip is in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Brass & Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore shows signs of use with some light fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates a 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This flare gun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The barrel has wear at the muzzle and on the top right. There is scattered light oxidation and some minor erosion. The brass shows scattered discoloration. There are scattered light nicks, dings, scuffs, and scratches. Overall, the flare gun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this flare gun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This flare gun comes complete with the original heavy duty orange painted steel survival container with “SIGNAL PISTOL CONTAINER” embossed on a brass plate affixed to the top lid, also housing 12 original flares in their original “RED PARACHUTE SIGNAL FLARES / APPROVED BY UNITED STATES COAST GUARD” cardboard box. All of the flares are marked on the body to the same maker as the flare gun (from Tippecanoe City, Ohio), and dated “7 45” (July 1945) at bottom. The flares are in Good condition, the box shows moderate wear but remains intact.
Our Assessment: The US Coast Guard was taken into naval service during WW2, and tasked with operating small boats and landing craft. Coast Guard helmsmen and bos'uns were instrumental in handling the landing craft used during the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Coast Guard ships and other naval vessels during the war carried a myriad of well made flare guns aboard to signal between ships or from ship to shore, and they were also stored aboard life rafts in case of emergency. One of the better made flare guns of WW2 was the “Model 52” produced by the International Flare Signal Co. of Tippecanoe City, Ohio. This flare gun is referred to as the "Model 52" not because it was designed in 1952 but because at one time this gun was part of the International No. 52 marine distress signal kit. In fact, the flares included with this gun are marked on the body with, you guessed it, “#52”. This 37mm, single shot, single action, top break flare gun was made in 1944, remains in Very Good condition, and features an 8” barrel, 75% of its original blued and brass finish, a heavy cast brass grip and frame, a coiled cotton wrist lanyard tied to the small jutting portion at the bottom of the grip, and a very good bore. It’s complete with the original heavy duty orange painted steel survival container with four closure latches and two carry handles. The four latches lock up tight, protecting the contents from the outside elements. The container is in Good condition, with some chipping to the paint, the number “5023” hand applied in black marker on the top lid, and moderate scattered wear. It carries “SIGNAL PISTOL CONTAINER” embossed on a brass plate affixed to the top lid, and contains 12 original flares in their original “RED PARACHUTE SIGNAL FLARES / APPROVED BY UNITED STATES COAST GUARD” cardboard box. All of the flares are marked on the body to the same maker as the flare gun (from Tippecanoe City, Ohio), and dated “7 45” (July 1945) at bottom. The flares are in Good condition, the box shows moderate wear but remains intact. The action functions correctly. This flare gun, steel survival container, and boxed 12 flare set make for a fantastic distress signal kit that will display well in any WW2 collection.
Pistol