British Flare Gun Identification

[dalbert]

All,

 

I have a British flare gun in my collection that I would like to properly identify. I have seen it referred to by 3 different designations in one book, and on the web. I believe the correct designation is No. 2 Mk 5, but I have one book that refers to it as a No. 1 Mk 1, but I believe they mistook it for an earlier brass WWI model. I have also seen it referred to on the web as a No. 2 Mk 6.

 

So, if you know what the proper designation is, please let me know, and also let me know how you arrived at the proper designation. Also, I'm interested to learn who manufactured it.

 

The flare gun has a bore of 1 1/16", and is serial numbered PDR 707.

 

Here are some photos:

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/PDR707-1_Web.JPG

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/PDR707-2_Web.JPG

 

Thanks!

 

David Albert

dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

[AlanDavid]

Hi David

 

Your signal pistol is a 1 inch, No2 Mk5. It was made in WW2 by a company named I.L. Berridge & Co, who were a commercial knitting machine manufacturer. They are no longer in buisiness.

Berridge made over 200,000 examples of this particulat pattern pistol during the war. It is a classic example of simplicity of desgin and manufacture.

 

 

 

The original serial number was stamped in small lettering on the barrel. PDR 707 has been added after the gun was sold as surplus by the British Government. You may find M601 stampted on parts such as the hammer. This is the manufactures code for Berridge & Co used during the war.

 

 

Regards

 

 

AlanD

Sydney