April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2023
Totaling just 6 months from conception to the end of production, an estimated 1,000,000 FP-45 Liberator pistols were produced by U.S. General Motors, with the Joint Psychological Warfare Committee intending to airdrop loads of these pistols to resistance fighters in the European and Pacific theaters. Most issued examples appear to have been distributed in the European theater, with few known to have been sent to the Pacific theater, and the balance having been melted down for scrap metal after the war. This example bears no markings, as to be expected from a clandestine weapon. The frame is constructed of stamped steel components and features an empty chamber at the bottom of the grip for stowage of an additional 4 rounds of ammunition. 4" smoothbore barrel is of machined steel, with the cocking knob comprised of aluminum. This example is accompanied by a letter from the consignor that states that this FP-45 Liberator was acquired in the Philippines by Private Sheldon Breitbart of the U.S. Army in either 1945 or 1946. CONDITION: Steel components exhibit moderate smooth surface oxidation overall, with the balance exhibiting a mottled gray and brown patina. Bore is bright, exhibiting mild surface oxidation throughout. A nice example of a desirable FP-45 Liberator pistol, with consignor provenance from the Philippines.
Manufacturer
U.S. Guide Lamp
Paperwork
Signed paper from consignor