U.S. 1861 Army Coston Flare Gun

Lot description

U.S. Percussion Signal Pistol, marked at the underside in front of the trigger "U.S. Army Signal Pistol, 1861, A.J.M." (Major Albert J. Myer, U.S. inspector, first chief U.S. Signal Corps, actual inspector was 1st Lieut. Samuel Cushing), serial number "76" under the shell locking lever, brass, this signal gun employed a Coston flare held in the barrel by the lever at the underside of the barrel, the flare was activated by firing the percussion cap and holding the gun aloft, the flare remained in the barrel and emitted a colored light, brass, walnut grips, the hammer and trigger work as designed, light dents, heavier at butt, for shipping 5.5" x 9.5" x 1.5", 1.80lbs   (241)  *Provenance: Collection of Billy Wayne Dickey, USN, (Texas, 1936-2022)