Transformed Mod 1918 to fire over the trenches

[Hebel94]

Hello,

This is a rare and interesting transformation of the French Mod. 1918 with an extended harm to fire over the trenches.

It was apparently made in arsenals the serial number of the original flare gun being reporter on the transformed one as usually made in those circumstances.

[bergler]

Wow, looks very impressive! I have only seen similar adaptions made for Carabiners to fire out of trenches. But to be honest, I don´t understand the need for this.....as you do not need to aim/target with a flare pistol, you can ALWAYS fire out of protected area over any obstacles. There is no direct shooting to enemy lines, but more to fire into air to illuminate an area or display a signal. Is this yours or is it in a museum?

[Hebel94]

It is mine. I know there are at least two other exemples known.

I admit that it is not clear to me how it was used. Even the handling is not obvious.

What is clear however is that this model is an official production made in arsenal.

Maybe some of our members will have additional information.

[signalman]

Very Nice !

Does it have a serial number, manufacturing marks, or any proof marks ??

I wish I had one like it !

[Hebel94]

The serial number on the harm is 6848. This number also appears on the frame below the barrel as usual on Model 1918. It corresponds to the serial number of the original flare gun re-used as it was often the case for models transformed in arsenal by the French army. Unfortunately, it then cannot be used to figure out how many of them were produced.

[tony645]

This looks like it may have been used to fire flares out of Pillboxes or other enclosed areas - if so, the second picture would be the right firing position.

[gunnertwo]

Interesting piece, thanks for the pics.

G2

[Dr.E13]

Very nice and interesting piece. Maybe used to fire from a plane or tank?