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Rare ERMA Werke "Thalson Model H.E." Alarm Pistol 6mm flobert blanks and flares Guns International #: 103510355 Seller's Inventory #: Category: Blank Pistols - Handguns - European Pistols Seller's Information When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com Seller: steve03038 Member Since: 9/13/13 State: Florida Country: United States Premium Seller Number of Active Listings: 34 Total Number of Listings: 245 Seller: Private Seller Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns. Payment Types Accepted: Personal check, bank check, postal money order, Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App Description: Model: Thalson Model H.E. Alarm Pistol Manufacturer: ERMA Werke (West Germany) Importer: Thalson Company, San Francisco Production: ~1952–1955 Capacity: 6 blanks,  6mm Folbert blank ammo Magazine: removable harmonica strip Condition: very good with original box Serial # 9765 Estimated value: $120–180 Original harmonica magazine Matching serial number on box.  Original retail box  Excellent grips and finish  pistol is marked “MADE IN GERMANY.”     This wording is important historically. After WWII (1945–1949) many products were marked “Made in U.S. Zone Germany” or “Made in Western Germany.” By the early 1950s, most export goods shifted to the simpler “Made in Germany” mark again. This suggests this pistol was likely produced after about 1951. Intended Uses • Sporting event starter pistol • Boating or camping signal pistol • Household alarm or animal deterrent • Novelty / recreational blank pistol Original packaging  states: “Holds 6 blanks – Fires flares.” ERMA Werke.  Company Background     Founded in 1922 in Erfurt, Germany, ERMA (Erfurter Maschinenfabrik) produced firearms, training weapons, and sporting arms. After WWII the company resumed production in West Germany and became a major producer of blank pistols, .22 rifles, and submachine-gun training arms for export markets. Thalson Company Thalson Company operated as a mid-20th-century firearms importer based in San Francisco, California. During the late 1940s and 1950s the firm imported German-made blank pistols, starter pistols, and sporting arms which were distributed throughout the United States under the Thalson brand name.    The Thalson Model H.E. represents a typical post-war German export blank pistol, reflecting the revival of the German sporting arms industry during the early 1950s. Original harmonica magazine Matching serial number on box Original retail box  Excellent grips and finish  Type: Alarm / starter pistol Origin: West Germany Production period: Approximately 1950–1956 Capacity: 6 blanks Magazine type: Sliding “harmonica” strip magazine Operation: Double-action trigger with manual safety Finish: Blued steel Grips: Molded plastic grips with H.E. medallion Markings: “MADE IN GERMANY” on slide Serial numbering: Typically stamped on frame above trigger guard•  Manual safety lever with red indicator Vented barrel design for blank discharge Enclosed firing mechanism The pistol uses a removable six-chamber steel harmonica magazine. • Steel strip containing six individual chambers • Chambers hold rimfire blank cartridges • Magazine slides horizontally through the frame • Trigger mechanism indexes the strip one chamber per shot • Fired blanks remain in the strip until manually removed This system was popular in starter pistols because it allowed multiple shots without the complexity of a revolver cylinder.    These pistols were designed strictly for blank cartridges and signaling purposes.  A screw in cone for the end of the barrel was available at some point to fire flares.  Loading Procedure Remove the harmonica magazine from the pistol. Insert six blank cartridges into the chambers of the magazine strip. Slide the loaded magazine into the pistol frame. Ensure the safety is disengaged. Pull the trigger to fire. Each trigger pull indexes the magazine to the next chamber.    After firing, remove the strip and push the spent blanks out manually. Overall, this pistol is an excellent example of a rare and historically significant post WWII firearm.  very good to excellent condiotion. Magazine sticks a little after the 2nd round on dry fire but may work fine with live ammo.  I just use a rod to give it a little nudge and it works as it should. Hasn't been fired very much and may just need a little lube. This is super hard to find in this condition.   It's all complete with matching numbers on box and pistol. Please look at all the photos to judge condition. Antique guns are sold as collector items only with no representation as to their safety to shoot or use.  No FFL is required.   It is your responsibility to make sure the item is legal in your state  FREE USPS priority shipping will be provided.  This gun is sold "as-is" as a collectible with no warranty express or implied. and no returns. Payment can be made with bank check, postal, money order, or personal check and must be sent within 7 days of close. For instant payment please contact me for account info and item will be shipped as soon as funds are receive. I can take Venmo, Zelle or Cash App. For credit card purchase use the GunTab icon at checkout.  An email with tracking number will be sent as soon as item is shipped.   SOLD Antique: Yes Manufacturer: ERMA Werke Model: 6mm Flobert Serial Number: 9765