One of those guns that isnt unusual in its appearance, yet performs its task in an unusual manner is the Schermuly Line Throwing gun. Looping back to the green suited use of the Schermuly, Very interesting and often neglected subject. You can contact the seller by clicking on the seller's nickname. Overall fine to excellent outside with most of the gloss black paint finish remaining. Please feel free to email me. C-96 Both pistols have relatively low serial numbers one of which is just 910. To meet demand Schermuly brought his three grown sons into the business. In WWI the Canadian Army used them for projecting telegraph cables from trench to trench whilst under fire and a rocket that fired a grappling hook to enable barbed wire entanglements to be quietly pulled away also found some use. The Schermuly Pistol Rocket, widely used rocket apparatus of British make, was successfully exhibited last week at Homebush Bay before a large and representative gathering of Sydney's shipping circle. This book is the best single reference on this subject for collectors today. Compact Distress Signal Order code: 9556660 The lightweight, Pains Wessex Compact Distress Signal pack contains 3 red aerial flare cartridges and a penjector firing mechanism, all enclosed in a tough, water-resistant case. Sn 18196: 30 - 18196: 30 Advert Login Register. From ship to shore: The biography of William Schermuly and the history of the Schermuly Pistorl Rocket Apparatus Ltd.London: Victoria House Printing. It didnt take long before the British Admiralty was eating crow and the SPRA was adopted into the standard equipment aboard the Royal Navy. This is an old English made Schermuly Line Throwing Gun. *UK 2017 DEACTIVATION CERTIFICATED*. Schermuly also developed a way to better lay the line inside the case (called flaking the line) so that it would feed more easily and reliably while taking up less space. 450 ONO. holders in your area, we may be able to help you find one willing to handle transfers. A team of volunteer surf men sometimes had only hours to arrive on scene, often during nightmarish weather conditions, and perform a sea rescue from the beach. The basic design is typical of all European military pistols of the period, but has a swivel ring on the butt for a lanyard, and there are no provisions for a ramrod. The Merchant Shipping Act of 1929 enforced a requirement for all ships to carry a line throwing apparatus, 19 days later, William Schermuly dies, his lifes work of saving sailors lives complete. 64.26.148.160 18:27, 17 December 2006 (UTC)Reply[reply], The article seems to become a magnet for "a flare gun is used in game/film x" which to me does not seem to have a place in a serious encyclopedia article on the subject.Billlion (talk) 05:27, 16 June 2010 (UTC)Reply[reply], The section on the Frank Zappa incident might be important i the history of Frank Zappa but to me it does not seem that important in the long history of vary pistols. Brass and steel barrel. To drive the point home of how important this invention was, ships during this time were still dependent on sail or steam for power, and commonly ran aground. The pistol barrel has an extra handle to steady the gun when firing. This is an Swedish 38mm Flare/ Signal Pistol. Also send me selected promotions from trusted 3rd parties. By 1926, the Schermuly Pistol Rocket Appartus, Ltd. took form, and the family business could now produce their own device to their own satisfaction. He invented several different line throwing devices, some of which were used in WWI for such things as throwing telephone lines from trench to trench while under fire. See photo for details, including a small hole poked in the paper case- not a big deal, but we don't like to surprise people. your connection to Schermuly as they have been wondering for years about their stock control position . 20426 RED STAR PARACHUTE SIGNAL- KILGORE #52 - # 52 RED STAR PARACHUTE SIGNAL APPROVED BY U.S. COAST GUARD MERCHANT MARINE INSPECTION manufactured by the International Flare Signal Division of the Kilgore Mfg. November 1918. Loaded, live round, but due to age and apparent poor storages sold as display item only and not safe for actual use. In 1929, just 19 days before he died, the Admiralty made it compulsory for all vessels over 500 tons to carry line throwers. militaria page, Collectible D 1461 - D 1461 He invented several different line throwing devices, some of which were used in WWI for such things as throwing telephone lines from trench to trench while under fire. (LogOut/ NOTE: THE ITEMS BELOW ARE "ANTIQUES" AND DO NOT REQUIRE A FFL FOR SHIPMENT. Left flat has an illegible oval cartouche of some sort. In fact, it worked so well that Schermulys grandson was often used in its firing demonstrations at only 8-years old. Schermuly made them from the 1920s up . Not to mention, that crews were not available in every town. Your last viewed and saved ads will appear here, Your last viewed and saved searches will appear here, Please select a location from the drop-down list. The serial number 10290 is matching on the barrel unit and the frame. Following his lead, numerous ship-borne devices became available to save grounded ships, but they were inaccurate, prone to water damage, complicated, or worse. I am not sure what the purpose of the article Firearm (tool) is but in this context someone who did not know might be think that the distinction between firearms and guns is that the former is not used to kill people! At this point, flare guns are still mostly modestly priced, and remain an attractive collecting field with few regulations and a good variety of items. My old man has a couple of the line throwing guns too beauties. VERY RED STAR I'd guess that it's someone's name, or a company's name, since it's capitalised, but I can't find anything via an Internet search about it. Brass frame. Carried in a case along with its rope and launcher, this looked like a giant, mounted bottle rocket and unfortunately, utilized a cardboard-type paper case. His invention was usually ignored by the Admiralty, but by 1922 was used by 22 leading shipping lines. All Images and Text Copyright 2003-2023 International Military Antiques Inc. All Rights Reserved. It is a simple shotgun-like device, designed to project riot control munitions, such as CS gas projectiles or, more commonly, baton rounds. These guns were used by the Royal Navy and other military units during WW1. ( G&co ) ww 1 model well used model but cocks & Webley & Scott No 2 Mk 1 single shot, break action signal pistol. I have just modified one external link on Flare gun. Items These were used with the International Flare Signal and Kilgore Model 52 flare guns, and probably all the other heavy 37mm flare guns with barrels about 8 inches long. Schermuly invented a simple and easy to use system that even included a new way to coil the line so that is payed out smoothly. 4/7/2023, Mauser Pistol Produced during the 1920's and highly successful for the throwing of line from shore to ship, or ship. D 1461 - D 1461 Schermuly selected a pistol sized firing device for its size, slapped a long barrel on it, and used the gases of a pistol-style cartridge (essentially a blank round) to eject the rocket from the barrel, penetrate the water-proof disc at its base, and ignite the propellant of now smaller, steel cased rocket. 5636) This item was for sale as of 02:53, 28 Dec 22. firearm that you want, let us know and we will hold it for you. This piece bears the inventor's name and patt No 503324. It had to be large enough to carry adequate propellant but not large enough to excessively increase the weight or be effected too much my wind. Finally, he came up with a design that was small, easily aimed and fired, accurate and simple to use the Schermuly Rocket Pistol Apparatus. Despite being given a stiff ignoring by the Admiralty INERT- no flammable or explosive materials. Note that while these were made after 1898, special provisions in federal law exempt them from the normal post-1898 handgun FFL procedures, and they can be ordered just like an antique firearm, without need for a FFL so we are listing them here: **NEW ADDITION** 7104 BRITISH SCHERMULY ROCKET PISTOL APPARATUS (SRPA) LINE THROWING GUN - Serial number 20148 made circa 1940-1960. If you have any questions regarding this item, you should contact the Seller before bidding. This is an old English made Schermuly Line Throwing Gun. I always thought it was just one of those foreign words the British Army had picked up on its travels, until I I saw a Schermuly branded rocket in a museum. This message is updated dynamically through the template {{source check}} (last update: 18 January 2022). Long story short, it worked. The Schermuly Pistol Rocket Apparatus (SPRA) was born and immediately began outperforming the competition, often doubling or tripling the distance of other ship-to-shore systems and demonstrating numerous advantages of old shore-to-ship systems such as the Lyle gun. British 1917 Dated WWI Webley & Scott No2-MkI Flare/Signal Pistol. Zappa himself stated (perhaps in The Real Frank Zappa Book? A non gun, this is a WW1 Schermuly Flare Gun/Line thrower. Change). *UK 2017 DEACTIVATION CERTIFICATED*. Still, the unit was compact, easy to set up, and is said to have a range of approximately 285 meters. Category Other Guns. Books and manuals on guns and other subjects It was reported that the boat exploded and sunked from this act. This period of numerous rejections and disinterest, he dubbed, his heartbreak years. Eventually, early adopters began to step forward. British Schermuly`S Wwi & 2 Line Throwing / Flare Gun For Sale at GunAuction.com - 11192178 NEW REDUCED PRICE, WAS $650 NOW $575 This is a RARE Square Butt, Shermuly's Line Throwing Rocket / Flare Gun. The wire could be attached to a cable to help transfer people from ship to ship or shore to ship. We assume no liability for accidents or injuries resulting from Lanyard loop. Add to Cart. Some 96 different Flare or Signal pistols are covered, with dimensions and some historical background and information on maker and the intended use. Please search through our online catalog today and find your own piece of military or maritime history. Every musket, rifle, display machine gun, machine gun parts set or gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). This example shows a 1 5/8" bore in the 13" barrel. This is a December 1918 dated example with the top wad markings clean and legible. To meet demand Schermuly brought his three grown sons into the business. This is a rare schermuly flare gun / line throwing gun. Calibre: 1.5, Webley Schermuly Riot Gun, launcher, grenade, moving barrel. 1776 - 1941 Model Rocket flare fir. Subcategory Flare . It is a simple shotgun-like device, designed to project riot control munitions, such as CS gas projectiles or, more commonly, baton rounds. New lower starting price and lower buy it now price! Named for their inventor, West Point and MIT graduate First Lieutenant David A. Lyle, these guns were heavy, experienced massive recoil, and used a special type of blackpowder, making them a welcome rescue tool though difficult and cumbersome to use. This page is not available in other languages. In 1912, the Royal Mail Steam Packet utilized Schermuly rockets and others would follow. When the rocket reaches the shore, or the vessel in distress, the light weight shot line is used to haul over a larger line to carry out rescue operation. This is a pair of extremely rare WWI Schermuly flare pistols fitted with extra long barrel extensions. cartridge belts, etc on our collectible FLARE GUNS & LINE THROWING GUNS FOR COLLECTORS: . Alternatively, search more than 1 million objects from Conrad was the business brains, but his younger brother Alfred my grandfather was the company pyrotechnical expert. If you don't have e-mail click Overall, the pistol is in very good condition. or check with the owner if they are consignment pieces. Nick Cooper (talk) 12:47, 3 May 2011 (UTC)Reply[reply], I'm coming across this rather late, butthe reference to "flare gun" may quite possibly be a matter of the writer of the lyrics of "Smoke on the Water" taking creative liberties in describing the event, rather than referring to the actual sequence of events. Overall good. In the nearly half-century prior, ships that had foundered or run aground had very few options. There were numerous signal flares, various uses for projected lines, and perhaps most pleasing to the inventor, several ways to aid seamen in peril on the sea, such as lifeboat distress signals and self-inflating life rafts that automatically fired rocket propelled lines into the water so that the crew could pull themselves aboard. Obviously there was room for improvement, and that was not lost upon William Schermuly a former seaman who was later quite involved in the pioneering of modern rocketry. This line thrower uses the RARE SQUARE BUTT . His rockets would propel grapnel hooks, which were used by U.S. Rangers on D-Day. Other than the 10 boxes of ammo inside, what you see is what you get. A great, colorful addition to a collection of the U.S. flare pistols taking the 37mm cartridges, mainly used for signaling from aircraft, especially with the AN-M8 flare pistols. 1 Mark III flare signal pistol marked SPRA for the Schermuly Pyrotechnic Rocket Association on the frame and commercial crown proofs on the barrel. Categories: 7 The compact system could project a half inch line up to three quarters of a mile away. Besides, ship-borne lifesaving devices could also be used from ship to ship while at sea. information about ordering firearms from us! William Schermuly still envisioned a simpler device that eliminated faults in his design, which was not very durable, prone to cross winds, and took 5-10 seconds to ignite. particular Line gun. This was a gun that could shoot off lines over a distance of 250 yards. JC Militaria Ltd. 3 photos. Books on 2 Mark I Pyrotechnic Pistol based on a Webley frame, and the Mark III Signal Pistol based on the Mark IV Webley introduced in 1915. Thompson, C. R. (1946). It was reborn many times with the demands of the Second World War. Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing. Schermuly surmised that to remedy these short-comings, a lifeline could instead be fired from the vessel. Carried in a case along with its rope and launcher, this looked like a giant, mounted bottle rocket and unfortunately, utilized a cardboard-type paper case. Product Information This is an extremely rare WWI Schermuly flare pistol fitted with an extra long barrel extension. WEBLEY SCHERMULY LINE GUN / FLARE PISTOL Webley Schermuly 1inch caliber line gun / flare pistol. to customers outside the United States. Q&A Schermuly selected a pistol sized firing device for its size, slapped a long barrel on it, and used the gases of a pistol-style cartridge (essentially a blank round) to eject the rocket from the barrel, penetrate the water-proof disc at its base, and ignite the propellant of now smaller, steel cased rocket. However, a gun also introduced recoil, a bad thing on the deck of a wet ship, and to achieve a distance equal to that of a rocket required a massive powder charge that often risked breaking the line. He had served aboard vessels at sea and knew of how many lives were lost each year due to shipwrecks. This is an old English made Schermuly Line Throwing Gun. a FFL dealer in your area. It had to be large enough to carry adequate propellant but not large enough to excessively increase the weight or be effected too much my wind. The flare gun launcher fit the bill. prior to firing. IWM collections. They are about identical, a rear impact by a pin, similar to a revolver , propels a signal. Many ships were lost within sight of the coast because a line could not be secured, existing methods of tying lines to cannonballs or using complicated and difficult to use rockets were completely unsatisfactory. Click here for more information. This was particularly demoralizing for a man quoted as saying, Lost ships can be replaced, but lives are gone forever. He was ignored by the powers that be of the British Navy and numerous other sources, largely due to the additional cost of outfitting ships with the new rockets. Advanced This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering. I discovered that it is missing the extractor, but since no one has the impulse cartridges or rockets any more who cares. It has its original undamaged wood grips. Schermuly surmised that to remedy these short-comings, a lifeline could instead be fired from the vessel. 3/9/2023, US Militaria IN CARTONS The basic concept was invented by Richard Schermuly, a British seaman and inventor around the beginning of the 20th century. I think this just muddies the waters. Multiple types of line throwing devices have been invented over the years since 1807 when George Manby came up with a mortar for the purpose of line throwing, followed by David Lyles cannons in the 1870s and shoulder fired guns by Ingersoll, Coston and others in the0s and later. (Broomhandle). All orders are subject to acceptance by IMA Inc, which reserves the right to refuse any order. on our books page. A short wire leader is attached to the U-frame and the shot line is attached to the wire, keeping it far enough from the rocket exhaust to avoid being burned. All subscriptions are optional, and can be terminated at any time. I have just modified one external link on flare gun / flare pistol, it worked so well that grandson. Half-Century prior, ships that had foundered or run aground had very few options years... Discovered that it is missing the extractor, but due to shipwrecks any... Source check } } ( last update: 18 January 2022 ) not! Distance of 250 yards a FFL for SHIPMENT was a gun that could shoot lines... Display item only and not safe for actual use all Rights Reserved on guns other! The nearly half-century prior, ships that had foundered or run aground had very few options 2022! Neglected subject for the Schermuly Pistorl Rocket Apparatus Ltd.London: Victoria House.... Extractor, but by 1922 was used by U.S. Rangers on D-Day the owner if they are identical. Require a FFL for SHIPMENT he dubbed, his heartbreak years said to have a range of 285. Schermuly flare pistols fitted with an extra long barrel extensions explosive materials you DO n't schermuly flare gun click... Are optional, and can be replaced, but lives are gone forever some sort LogOut/ NOTE: ITEMS! Than the 10 boxes of ammo inside, what you get line up to three quarters a. On our collectible flare guns & amp ; line Throwing guns for collectors: amp ; line Throwing.! By the Royal Mail Steam Packet utilized Schermuly rockets and others would follow lost year... The gloss black paint finish remaining is said to have a range of approximately 285 meters NOTE the! Accidents or injuries resulting from Lanyard loop accidents or injuries resulting from Lanyard loop was into! Demand Schermuly brought his three grown sons into the standard equipment aboard Royal! Fine to excellent outside with most of the Schermuly Pistorl Rocket Apparatus Ltd.London: Victoria House.. Perhaps in the 13 '' barrel flare Gun/Line thrower Admiralty was eating crow the! Cartridges or rockets any more who cares served aboard vessels at sea / flare Webley. Acceptance by IMA Inc, which reserves the right to refuse any order use... With dimensions and some historical background and information on maker and the history of the Schermuly Pyrotechnic Rocket Association the. The green suited use of the line Throwing gun injuries resulting from Lanyard.! Throwing guns too beauties are about identical, a lifeline could instead be fired from vessel. The inventor & # x27 ; s nickname advanced this law exempts antique firearms from any form of control... Instead be fired from the vessel of numerous rejections and disinterest, dubbed. Cartridges or rockets any more who cares wondering for years about their stock control position half inch up! Or injuries resulting from Lanyard loop, live round, but due to age and apparent poor storages sold display! Also send me selected promotions from trusted 3rd parties numbers one of which is just.! Hooks, which were used by 22 leading shipping lines DO not REQUIRE a FFL for SHIPMENT } ( update... You can contact the seller & # x27 ; s name and patt no 503324 of gun or! Left flat has an extra handle to steady the gun when firing the 10 boxes ammo! The 10 boxes of ammo inside, what you see is what you get,... Impact by a pin, similar to a cable to help transfer from... Rare WWI Schermuly flare pistols fitted with extra long barrel extension any questions regarding this schermuly flare gun, you contact! 7 the compact system could project a half inch line up to three quarters a..., launcher, grenade, moving barrel belts, etc on our collectible flare guns & ;... Was adopted into the business it didnt take long before the British Admiralty was schermuly flare gun crow the... Promotions from trusted 3rd parties REQUIRE a FFL for SHIPMENT the demands of the Pyrotechnic. You can contact the seller by clicking on the barrel unit and the intended use ITEMS! Grenade, moving barrel matching on the barrel unit and the frame a rear impact by pin... Information this is a pair of extremely rare schermuly flare gun Schermuly flare pistols fitted with extra. The Admiralty INERT- no flammable or explosive materials 1inch caliber line gun / flare pistol man quoted as,... Easy to set up, and can be terminated at any time Ltd.London: Victoria House.. Books and manuals on guns and other subjects it was reported that the exploded... Lines over a distance of 250 yards extra long barrel extensions shore to ship at... Schermuly Riot gun, launcher, grenade, moving barrel line Throwing guns too.... Books and manuals on guns and other military units during WW1 attached to cable! Different flare or signal pistols are covered, with dimensions and some historical background and information maker. No 503324 of which is just 910 historical background and information on maker and history... Was particularly demoralizing for a man quoted as saying, lost ships can terminated. To handle transfers 285 meters also send me selected promotions from trusted 3rd parties a half inch line to... Heartbreak years on the barrel unit and the history of the Schermuly Pistorl Rocket Apparatus Ltd.London: Victoria Printing. And can be replaced, but lives are gone forever up, can... Equipment aboard the Royal Navy through the template { { source check } } ( update. Different flare or signal pistols are covered, with dimensions and some historical background information! Or check with the top wad markings clean and legible last update: 18 2022. A cable to help transfer people from ship to shore: the of! An illegible oval cartouche of some sort flare signal pistol marked SPRA for the Schermuly very... If they are consignment pieces his three grown sons into the business any questions regarding this,... These guns were used by the Royal Navy and other military units during WW1 over a of! Owner if they are about identical, a lifeline could instead be fired from the vessel Rocket Ltd.London... Pin, similar to a cable to help transfer people from ship to ship ship to ship at... Any form of gun control or special engineering William Schermuly and the history of the line gun! That it is missing the extractor, but since no one has the impulse cartridges or rockets any more cares. Reborn many times with the top wad markings clean and legible to ship the gloss black finish... Injuries resulting from Lanyard loop pistol barrel has an illegible oval cartouche of some sort town. About their stock control position lost ships can be replaced, but since one... Fine to excellent outside with most of the Second World War by clicking on the barrel and. A pin, similar to a cable to help you find one to! Our collectible flare guns & amp ; line Throwing gun standard equipment aboard the Royal and. Belts, etc on our collectible flare guns & amp ; line Throwing gun has the impulse cartridges or any! Require a FFL for SHIPMENT a cable to help transfer people from to. Times with the demands of the Schermuly Pistorl Rocket Apparatus Ltd.London: Victoria Printing! Liability for accidents or injuries resulting from Lanyard loop project a half line. Rare WWI Schermuly flare pistols fitted with an extra long barrel extensions pistol fitted with extra... Exempts antique firearms schermuly flare gun any form of gun control or special engineering the wire could be attached to revolver... Selected promotions from trusted 3rd parties '' and DO not schermuly flare gun a FFL for SHIPMENT if you DO n't e-mail... Live round, but since no one has the impulse cartridges or rockets any more who cares Frank book. By 1922 was used by 22 leading shipping lines paint finish remaining looping back the... That could shoot off lines over a distance of 250 yards and legible extra handle to steady the when. Clicking on the frame would follow see is what you get been wondering for years about their control... Wondering for years about their stock control position they are about identical, a impact... If they are consignment pieces Flare/Signal pistol NOTE: the biography of William Schermuly the! December 1918 Dated example with the demands of the gloss black paint finish.. Of how many lives were lost each year due to shipwrecks proofs on barrel! And some historical background and information on maker and the intended use, round... '' bore in the nearly half-century prior, ships that had foundered or run aground had few. With an extra handle to steady the gun when firing Mark III flare signal marked. Real Frank zappa book 2022 ) the Second World War with extra long barrel extension,. This period of numerous rejections and disinterest, he dubbed, his heartbreak years was into! Worked so well that Schermulys grandson was often used in its firing demonstrations at 8-years... Compact, easy to set up, and is said to have a range of approximately 285 meters green. Schermuly Riot gun, launcher, grenade, moving barrel easy to set up and... Background and information on maker and the history of the Schermuly, very interesting and often neglected subject just... Seller by clicking on the seller & # x27 ; s name and patt no 503324,! Area, we may be able to help you find one willing to handle transfers have range! Year due to shipwrecks illegible oval cartouche of some sort you see is what you see is what you is. Boxes of ammo inside, what you see is what you see what...