Deactivated First World War issued German Hebel M1894 Flare/Signal pistol.

This is a First World War issued German Hebel M1894 Flare/Signal pistol. The maker mark it has the correct imperial German army acceptance stamps. This is an early example serial number  204 or 1204. The left grip has had the numbers 4/12 cut into it. Most likely the German unit it was issued to.They were used by the German Military throughout both world wars, being used when signalling to German soldier to go "over the top" when leaving their trenches and engaging Allied forces. German aviators often carried this type of flare pistol to shoot at British aircraft and then-hydrogen filled balloons.

 

Deactivated with a working action it can be cocked, stripped and dry fired.