Bohling & Eschrich German Flare Gun

Description

Bohling & Eschrich, a German manufacturer of Flare Guns.

B & E produced flare/signal pistols, including models from the World War I era (such as the Hebel M1894).

Also known as a Leuchtpistole, which was widely used during World War I and World War II.

•Design: The name “Hebel” refers to the distinct lever-action mechanism (German for “lever”) used to open the breech for loading.

•Barrel: It typically features a long, 27mm caliber barrel, which in some variations is semi-octagonal near the breech and round towards the muzzle.

•Aesthetics: These flare guns often have a rugged, utilitarian build with a wood-panel grip and a lanyard ring at the base.

Developed in the late 19th century, the Model 1894 was standard equipment for the German Army and was also used by various other countries for signaling. Modern collectors often find them with various maker’s marks (see pics).

Core German Proof Marks

These marks follow the Imperial German Proof Law of 1891 and are usually stamped together:

Usually found on the right-hand side of the frame & barrel (see pics).

•Crown over B: The “definitive” proof, meaning the finished flare gun was successfully test-fired.

•Crown over U: The “Untersuchung” (view/inspection) mark, indicating a final visual inspection for defects.

•Crown over S: A specific proof for smoothbore barrels, confirming it passed the required tests for that type.

•Imperial Eagle: The “first preliminary” proof mark, often applied earlier in the manufacturing process.

•”4″ in a Circle: This is the most common mark, identifying it as “Kaliber 4.” This corresponds to a 26.5mm (roughly 1-inch) bore, which remains the international standard for signal flares.

•Crown over Script Letter (e.g., A, B, G): These are individual inspector acceptance marks (see pics).

•Right Side (Barrel/Frame): Main proofs like the Crowns, Eagle, and “4” caliber mark.

•Left Side (Frame): Typically holds the serial number and the manufacturer’s mark (e.g., “4482 B & E” Bohling & Eschrich.

Matching #’s Frame & Barrel.

Matching barrel # is under the locking mechanism (see pic).

•Condition: Surface rust and pitting on the left-side end of the barrel, some pitting can be seen inside the barrel (see pics).  There is a small gouge in the frame right above the hammer (see pic).  Some dents / flattening at the very end of the barrel.  Looks to be a small ding right under / bottom of the barrel (see pic).

•Functionality: Working trigger, hammer, and unlocking lever work as should.

•Markings: read above and see pics.  (We have included a “Stock” photo for reference / clarity, of another gun.

•Completeness: Looks to be original wooden grips, the left-side grip has a crack that runs from the screw head to the bottom of the grip with some gouges around the screw head.  The upper part of the left hand grip meets the frame has some cracking (see pics).  The right hand grip is fully intact with a small piece of wood missing from the lower bottom part of the grip (see pics).  The bottom of both grips have small chips.

14” long

6 3/4” tall

8 15/16” barrel 

1 1/16” OD barrel 

3.2 lbs 

1-available

$300