Kommandantur Lille

[Daniel Murphy]

Since I consider this to be a piece of equipment instead of a firearm, I have placed it here. This flare pistol was manufactured in occupied France for German forces. I have longed for one of these for many years since I love ersatz items. I just acquired this piece and since they are fairly scarce, I thought you would like to see it and how it is made. These are immense, with a length of 14.5 inches

Dan Murphy

Edited June 16, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

The other side.

[Daniel Murphy]

Close up. note the 2nd type markings and the serial number 11759.

[Daniel Murphy]

With the left grip removed. Notice the grip frame is attached to the receiver with just two screws.

Edited June 16, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

The grip frame and trigger/ sear are each machined from one piece of approx. 1/4 inch steel. Note the matching numbers. It is an extremely simple mechanism.

Edited June 16, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

With the grip frame removed one can get a view of the firing pin assembly inside. Note the firing spring and the rebounding spring to return the firing pin.

Edited June 16, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

Markings on the top of the receiverand breech.

[Daniel Murphy]

Matching number of the cocking knob.

[Daniel Murphy]

To operate, the button on the right side of the receiver is pushed to unlock the breech. The barrel is then swiveled 180 degrees for loading. Note the rounded locking stud and the extractor are one piece.

Edited June 16, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

When the round is loaded the extractor is holding it from being seated. As the gun is closed, the machined stud on top of the receiver cams the round into place so the rim does not catch on the receiver. To fire the cocking knob is pulled until it locks and then the trigger is pulled.

Dan Murphy

Edited June 16, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Chip]

Daniel,

Interesting design. I have never run across one to buy and I have no idea what the price range for the various Belgian made flare pistols is. I suspect, due to the relative numbers when compared to a Hebel model, they are commensurately more expensive. There's a nice article on these and other German flare pistols in the "Gazette des armes" No.149 from January 1986, though you have given us a more in-depth look at this model's workings.

Nice going!

Chip

[maxstiebritz]

Hi Dan,

Thanks for showing me the Flare pistol the other week. From what I see the cartouche on the grip means "Kommandeur de Lille". like you stated above the flarepistol was manufactured under contract in German - occupied Belgium. In the city of "Lille."

In case you did not know your flare pistol is a "Kommandeur de Lille" type 2. The type 1 had the same style barrel but the grip pointed down more. Both had the same cartouche stamp on the grip. Also the trigger guard on both styles differ significatly.

Mit Kameradschaft,

Max Stiebritz

[Stijn David]

Hello,

occupied Belgium. In the city of "Lille."

This is actually not so complete correct => Lille is actually French Territory, it has indeed a historical connection with belgium,(as well as the city of Lille aka. Rijsel in Dutch) but that is long gone history from medieval times.

Arround 1200 Lille was still part of what was known as Flanders, this changed in the following years (as borders do change ove rhistory) and so that part of Flanders has become French territory.

Just to be a bit correct

Otherwise love the flare pistol.

Cordial greetings,

Edited August 9, 2006 by Stijn David