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Author Topic: H&R Flare gun  (Read 1616 times)

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Offline hamneggs

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H&R Flare gun
« on: November 10, 2011, 05:00:42 AM »
Picked up an as issued 1942 H&R Mk VI  flare gun with a mint canvas sling holster. Gun appears unused and is blued with wrap- around H&R marked plastic grips with lanyard ring and marked 1inch.I can find little about this piece other than it was apparently part of an order of 15k contracted in 1941 by the Brits.Anyone have any scuttle butt on this...not much out there I have been able to find.
Thanks.
 
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Offline PHATINJUN

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #1 on: November 10, 2011, 05:08:29 AM »
PICTURE 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)  Kurt
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Offline Old Fart

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #2 on: November 10, 2011, 05:21:48 AM »
Yes pics please.  ;)  I'd love to see it.  ;D
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Offline hamneggs

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2011, 04:07:12 AM »
Will def get some pics up soon..it's COOL!
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Offline hamneggs

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #4 on: November 13, 2011, 05:59:31 AM »
Some pics
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Offline 32 Magnum

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #5 on: November 14, 2011, 05:54:00 AM »
Hamneggs,
Very nice, original example of the MkV1.  Does your gun have the British "broad arrow" markings or other British military markings on it?  I see that the pouch/holster has the "broad arrow" in a circle property mark.
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Jim Hauff,  H&R Collector

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Offline hamneggs

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2011, 04:04:42 AM »
FRAME IS MARKED WITH THE BROAD ARROW PROOF
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Offline 32 Magnum

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #7 on: November 15, 2011, 07:06:08 AM »
hamneggs,
GREAT!  That's all you need, along with the issue/marked pouch.  NICE find.

I had a WW1 Era 37 mm shoulder fired MK1 H&R flare gun, covered with Brit. proof and property marks.  Also have a MKVI, just like yours, but with no property (US or Brit) markings on it.  I recently sold the MK1 for $1K.  I've seen a couple of the MKVI sell for above $200 - so with your's being marked - it should be worth considerably more.  Nice collectible piece you have there.
I tried to post pics of the MK1, but they won't go through right now - connection took too long.  I'll try again later.
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Jim Hauff,  H&R Collector

RIP Jim, passed away on October 12th, 2012

Offline 32 Magnum

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #8 on: November 15, 2011, 07:09:56 AM »
Here's the 37mm:
 
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Jim Hauff,  H&R Collector

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Offline hamneggs

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #9 on: November 15, 2011, 08:33:58 AM »
Thanks for the info.I thought the broad arrow proof was desireable and you've confirmed for me. Not sure that this will be a keeper as I bought thinking it may have been US issue but it's definately a conversation starter.Any idea what the holster markings are? All I can make out are the prop and 1942 markings.I know it's just a signal gun but holding any handgun with that bore is quite impressive!:)
Thanks
. 
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Offline 32 Magnum

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #10 on: November 16, 2011, 06:01:51 AM »
hamneggs,
I can't make out the markings on the holster?  Google search for a British military forum and post that pic.  You may be able to get an answer there.  Good luck.  Thanks for thanking!
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Jim Hauff,  H&R Collector

RIP Jim, passed away on October 12th, 2012

Offline Old Fart

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #11 on: November 16, 2011, 07:13:39 AM »
These are both so cool, thanks for posting the pics guys.  ;)
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Offline jim ritchie

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #12 on: November 16, 2011, 09:27:59 AM »
Hey guys,
Cool H&R's!
Just out of curiosity, do either of you know what the recoil would have been like when firing either of these?
Jim
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Offline 32 Magnum

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #13 on: November 17, 2011, 06:27:51 AM »
Jim,
The hand held units have about the same "kick" you'd expect from a light 12 ga round.
I don't know what the 37mm would feel like but the cartridges for them are pretty big and I expect the payload and powder charge would be pretty big, correspondingly so.  The cartridges are about 8" long and 1 9/16" in diameter.  I've fired a 40mm M79 with various loads and that kicks like a magnum 12 ga.  I'm guessing the 37 would kick like a 10 ga.
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Jim Hauff,  H&R Collector

RIP Jim, passed away on October 12th, 2012

Offline jim ritchie

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #14 on: November 17, 2011, 02:35:22 PM »
Jim,
Thanks,
Another question, the flare says parachute, does this mean it is an illumination flare?
Or do you think it was for marking purposes?
Jim


After looking again, I see it says red parachute, don't know how I missed that, so I  am guessing marker type, and not illumination.
More cool H&R history, another couple pieces to add to the someday list!
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Offline 32 Magnum

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #15 on: November 18, 2011, 11:43:14 AM »
Jim,
That flare was made in 1935.  It was approved by the Bureau of Navigation and Steamboats - I'm  thinking it was intended for emergency signal use.  BUT, a similar flare with magnesium would and does make an excellent illumination flare.  I'm pretty sure the MKVI was used for signaling on ships, in the field and on aircraft.  I have an original 1942 (IIRC) sales letter sent to one of the manufacturer's of emergency kits for the Catalina flying boats that extolled the virtues as well as low cost of the H&R Mark VI flare guns and urged that company to buy them in bulk for better pricing.  Don't have any idea where that letter is, at this time - it also had a nice 8 x 10 glossy of the MKVI attached.
I'm thinking the 37mm MKI was used by field troops for signalling as well as illumination rounds.  It probably put the star shells and parachute flares pretty high up.
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Jim Hauff,  H&R Collector

RIP Jim, passed away on October 12th, 2012

Offline jim ritchie

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #16 on: November 18, 2011, 03:35:05 PM »
Jim,
As always, another good H&R history lesson!
thanks,
Jim
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Offline 32 Magnum

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Re: H&R Flare gun
« Reply #17 on: November 20, 2011, 05:54:36 AM »
Jim,
You're welcome, my friend.
Jim
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Jim Hauff,  H&R Collector

RIP Jim, passed away on October 12th, 2012
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