Model 3 (Mod-3) 37mm flare pistol

Description

Model 3 (MOD-3) 37mm Flare Pistol.

Aantique signal gun manufactured during World War II produced by the Columbia Appliance Corporation (marked as “Columbia Appl. Corp.”) based in Long Island City (L.I.C.), New York.

•    Design: These pistols were primarily used by the U.S. Navy for ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore signaling.

•    Construction: It features a heavy brass frame and an 8-inch steel barrel. The grip often features a lanyard ring at the base for securing the weapon during use.

•    Markings: The left side of the frame typically identifies the manufacturer (“Columbia Appl. Corp. L.I.C. N.Y. U.S.A.”), while the right side is stamped with the model designation “MOD-3”.

•    Production: The Columbia Appliance Company produced these early in the war, around 1942, before later reorganizing as the Columbia Machinery & Engineering Corp.

These are considered scarce and desirable military antiques.

•    Clear, dark age patina with the presence of the original “flashed zinc coating” on the barrel, along with a functional “break-open” action.

PT 33047 is the serial #

•    Production Era: This unit was part of a mid-to-late 1942 or 1943 contract. The PT prefix  “Pistol Type” was standard for many pyrotechnic pistols manufactured for the U.S. Navy during the height of the World War II.  It’s the hallmark of an authentic WWII-era Columbia unit. Lower left side of the grip.

It is completely normal for the steel barrel of a Columbia Model 3 to be unmarked.

In mass-produced military items like this, parts were often manufactured to be interchangeable. Since the brass frame was the primary “serialized” component, the steel barrels were frequently treated as replaceable accessories and didn’t receive individual serial numbers.

•    Originality: It is highly likely that this is the original barrel. During WWII production at the Columbia factory, barrels were fitted to the frames and then finished; there was no requirement to stamp a matching number on the barrel itself.

•    Maintenance: These barrels were meant to be swapped out easily if they became pitted or damaged by the corrosive salts found in flare cartridges.

•    Finish Difference: You’ll notice the barrel is steel (which may show some dark patina or light pitting) while the body is brass. This “two-tone” look is the standard factory configuration.

The interior walls are relatively smooth despite some surface darkening, it’s in good “collector condition.” Heavy, deep pitting inside the barrel is common due to the chemical nature of old flares, but it doesn’t significantly hurt the display value.

•    Condition of the Brass: High-value units still retain some of their original “flashed zinc” or plated coating. This particular pistol shows a heavy, dark patina, which is common and often preferred by those who like an “honest” wartime look.

•    Mechanical Integrity: A crisp “break-open” action and a functional trigger/firing pin.

•    Completeness: The presence of the original lanyard ring at the base of the grip is a detail collectors look for.

•    Historical Rarity: Columbia-marked units are considered “scarce” compared to some other U.S. manufacturers.

As found, works as should, clear manufacturers info. and model # (see pics) & serial # (see pic).

100% original with some brass casting flaws as expected concerning this model (this is not a highly polished brass frame / partial

brass barrel gun).

13 3/4” long

6” tall

1 9/16” OD barrel opening 

8 1/8” long barrel 

4.2 lbs 

1-available

$300

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